Bean Soup

Bean soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Rich in flavors and nutrients, this soup is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a tasty lunch, bean soup is a wholesome option that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to create this delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried beans (mixed variety or your choice)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Servings and Cooking Time

This bean soup recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, while the cooking time is around 1 hour.

Nutritional Value

Each serving of bean soup (1 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 200
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fiber: 8g
– Fat: 2g
This nutritional breakdown is based on one serving for one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Sort and rinse the dried beans; soak overnight if necessary.
2. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
5. Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking until softened.
6. Mix in the soaked beans and stir well.
7. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
8. Reduce heat and add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
9. Simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes or until beans are tender.
10. Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Alternative Ingredients

Feel free to substitute dried beans with canned beans for quicker preparation. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

Serving and Pairings

Bean soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even over rice. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep!

Cooking Mistakes

• Not soaking beans long enough can lead to longer cooking times.
• Overcrowding the pot can result in uneven cooking.
• Failing to season properly can leave the soup bland.
• Cooking at too high a temperature may cause the beans to break down.
• Not tasting during cooking means missing the chance to adjust flavors.

Helpful Tips

• Use homemade broth for richer flavor.
• Experiment with spices for unique variations.
• Let the soup sit overnight for flavors to meld.
• Add a splash of vinegar before serving to brighten the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! Canned beans are a great time-saver. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup, reducing cooking time significantly.

What types of beans work best for bean soup?

A mix of beans such as black, kidney, and pinto provides a variety of textures and flavors. You can also use navy beans or chickpeas.

How can I make this soup spicier?

For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, diced ham, bacon, or sausage can be added for a meaty version of bean soup, enhancing the flavor and protein content.

Is bean soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, bean soup freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing.

Conclusion

Bean soup is a versatile and nutritious dish that offers comfort in every bowl. With endless possibilities for customization, it’s a perfect recipe for any home cook. Enjoy the warm, hearty flavors and share with loved ones for a satisfying meal.

Bean Soup

A hearty and nutritious bean soup filled with mixed beans, vegetables, and spices, perfect for any meal.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bean soup, healthy recipes, comfort food, vegetarian, meal prep

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried beans mixed variety
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

• Sort and rinse the dried beans; soak overnight if necessary.
• In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
• Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking until softened.
• Mix in the soaked beans and stir well.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce heat and add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes or until beans are tender.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 8g