Welcome spring with this delightful and nourishing Spring Bean Soup, brimming with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. Tender beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs come together beautifully in a comforting dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a refreshing lunch, this soup is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients:

• 18 oz dry uncooked beans (500 g)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped (reserve some for sautéing)
• 2 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 large parsnip, cut into chunks
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sweet ground paprika
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1-2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4-5 bay leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Beans:
   • Rinse and sort the beans, then soak them in cold water for 5-6 hours or overnight. Drain well before cooking.
2. Cook the Beans:
   • In a large pot, add the soaked beans and pour in about 6 cups (1.5 liters) of water.
   • Bring to a boil, cook for 20 minutes, then drain and discard the water. Add fresh hot water back into the pot, covering beans by about two inches. Add one teaspoon of salt.
3. Add Vegetables:
   • Mix in chopped onions, carrots, parsnip chunks, and bay leaves. Keep some onions aside for sautéing later.
   • Simmer on medium-low heat until beans are tender, approximately 1 hour. Check occasionally to ensure there’s always enough hot water covering the beans.
4. Prepare the Flavor Base:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a separate pan. Add the reserved chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until golden and fragrant.
   • Sprinkle in sweet ground paprika and flour, stirring quickly to form a smooth roux.
5. Finish the Soup:
   • Pour the sautéed mixture (roux) into the pot with the beans, stirring gently.
   • Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
   • Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve your flavorful Spring Bean Soup hot, paired perfectly with crusty bread or your favorite spring salad.

Enjoy!

Video Recipe

Tips and Tricks for the Best Spring Bean Soup:

• Soaking Beans Perfectly:
  Always soak your beans overnight in cold water. This simple step helps break down complex sugars, making the beans easier to digest and significantly shortening their cooking time.

• Choosing Vegetables:
  Opt for fresh, crisp vegetables that are abundant in spring. Feel free to add celery, zucchini, or even spinach for additional flavor, nutrition, and texture.

• Achieving Ideal Consistency:
  For a thicker, heartier soup, gently mash a small portion of the cooked beans or blend a cup of the soup and stir it back into the pot.

• Boosting Flavor Naturally:
  Enhance the flavor profile by adding smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness, or include a spoonful of tomato paste for depth and color. A splash of vegetable broth can also add richness.

• Herb Garnishes:
  Add fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill just before serving. Not only does this brighten the soup visually, but it also elevates the overall freshness and flavor.

• Storage and Reheating:
  This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if it has thickened.

There’s something truly magical about a perfectly seared T-bone steak—the sizzling sound as it hits the pan, the rich aroma of butter and herbs, and the deep, golden crust that forms on the outside. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe will guide you through every step to achieve steak perfection.

No fancy equipment required—just a solid pan, a little patience, and a love for great food. Stick with me, and by the end of this recipe, you’ll be confident enough to cook a T-bone steak that rivals your favorite steakhouse.

Perfectly Seared T-Bone Steak Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 1-2)

• 1 T-bone steak (at least 1 inch thick, ideally up to 2 inches, about 1-1.5 lbs)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Optional: 3 cloves garlic (smashed), 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 1 sprig fresh thyme (or seasonings of choice—see variations for ideas)

Instructions

1. Preparation

Remove the steak from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. Allowing it to come to room temperature ensures even cooking and a juicy bite in every slice.

2. Season Generously

Pat the steak dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear! Season liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. If using additional aromatics like garlic or herbs, set them aside for later.

3. Get the Skillet Hot

Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Let it heat for a couple of minutes before adding olive oil and butter. The butter should sizzle but not burn—this is your cue to proceed.

4. Sear to Perfection

Carefully place the steak into the pan. Resist the urge to move it—let it sear undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes, forming that signature golden crust. For a well-done steak, increase the time slightly.

5. Flip & Enhance the Flavor

Turn the steak using tongs and cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes. If you’re adding aromatics like rosemary, thyme, or garlic, toss them into the pan now. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter and pan juices. This step infuses incredible flavor.

6. Check for Doneness

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness:

• Rare: 125°F (52°C)
• Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 145°F (63°C)
• Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
• Well-done: 160°F (71°C)

Remember, the temperature will rise a few degrees as the steak rests.

7. Rest Before Slicing

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes—this crucial step redistributes the juices, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.

8. Slice & Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thick, juicy strips. Serve with a drizzle of the remaining pan juices for extra flavor.

Pairing Ideas: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad make the perfect complements to your sizzling steak.

If you enjoyed this recipe, why not spread the joy? Save the image below and pin it to your favorite Pinterest board—it’s a great way to keep this mouthwatering T-bone steak recipe handy and share it with friends who love a good homemade steak!

Tips & Variations

Get That Steakhouse Crust

For an extra-crispy crust, make sure your steak is completely dry before seasoning. You can also sprinkle a tiny bit of cornstarch on the surface—it helps create a beautiful sear.

Experiment with Seasonings

While salt and pepper are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a dry rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne for a little heat.

The Reverse Sear Method

If you love a thick steak but don’t want a charred exterior with a raw center, try the reverse sear. Cook the steak at 250°F (120°C) in the oven until it reaches about 10 degrees below your desired doneness, then sear it in a screaming hot pan for a minute per side.

Butter Makes Everything Better

Enhance your butter basting by adding a compound butter—mix softened butter with garlic, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a steakhouse-worthy finish.

Let It Rest, No Exceptions

It’s tempting to slice right into your steak, but patience pays off! Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute so every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Tired of the same old dinner ideas? Switch things up with these air fryer ground beef and bacon kebabs. With the perfect blend of smoky bacon and well-seasoned ground beef, each bite is packed with flavor. These kebabs are simple to make, making them a great option whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends. Let’s jump into how to make these tasty kebabs.

Air Fryer Ground Beef Kebabs Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juicier kebabs)
• 4 strips of bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for a slight kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, onion, garlic, parsley, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed but be careful not to overmix as it can make the kebabs tough.
3. Shape the kebabs: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions. Shape each portion around a skewer, pressing firmly to ensure the meat mixture holds its shape. Make sure each kebab is about 4-5 inches in length.
4. Arrange in the air fryer: Place the kebabs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
5. Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bacon will add a smoky, crispy layer while the ground beef stays juicy. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Serve: Remove the kebabs from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce, fresh salad, or warm pita bread.

Loving these ground beef kebabs? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board and share the deliciousness!

Tips for Perfect Kebabs

• Avoid overmixing: It’s crucial to mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dry, dense kebabs.
• Use cold ingredients: Chilling the meat mixture for 10 minutes before shaping can help it hold together better during cooking.
• Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Kebabs: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the mixture for a cheesy surprise.
• Spicy Kebabs: Incorporate red chili flakes or finely diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Kebabs: Mix in crumbled feta, chopped olives, and a touch of oregano.
• Herb Kebabs: Replace parsley with a combination of fresh dill, cilantro, or mint for a unique flavor.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a drizzle of honey or a teaspoon of brown sugar to balance the smoky bacon with a hint of sweetness.
• Vegetable Combo: Skewer chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside the meat for added texture and flavor.