Hearty Bean Soup Recipe

Hearty Bean Soup Recipe: Cozy Up with a Warm Bowl of Goodness

Steaming bowls of hearty bean soup transport you to comfort on chilly evenings.

A classic bean soup recipe warms the soul with its rich, satisfying flavors.

Tender legumes mingle with aromatic herbs and savory vegetables, creating a wholesome meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup offers more than just deliciousness.

Onions, garlic, and fresh herbs dance together, building layers of deep, inviting taste.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through rustic, home-cooked goodness.

Gear For Making Easy Chicken Wraps

  • Large Bowl: Perfect for soaking beans overnight, ensuring they're clean and softened.
  • Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the entire soup.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth and other liquid ingredients.
  • Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing beans before cooking.
  • Ladle: Helps serve the soup evenly into bowls.

How To Prepare Easy Chicken Wraps

  • Bean Awakening

Soak dried beans overnight in a spacious bowl filled with water. This gentle bath helps soften and prepare beans for their delicious journey.

  • Veggie Dance

In a large pot, warm a splash of olive oil and introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them sizzle and mingle, creating a fragrant base that whispers warmth and comfort.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour vegetable broth and diced tomatoes into the pot. Sprinkle bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika for an aromatic adventure. Allow the mixture to bubble gently, transforming simple ingredients into a soul-warming creation.

  • Tender Transformation

Let the soup simmer peacefully, beans softening and flavors blending. After about two hours, the soup will tell you it’s ready with tender beans and rich, deep flavors.

  • Final Flourish

Remove bay leaves and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, zingy finish. Serve in welcoming bowls alongside crusty bread for a meal that hugs your heart.

Smart Tips For Easy Chicken Wraps

  • Quick Cooking Secrets for Perfect Bean Soup
  • Overnight Soak Trick: Always soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. This method helps break down complex sugars that cause digestive discomfort and ensures more even, tender beans.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Add a parmesan cheese rind or smoked ham bone during simmering to create deeper, richer flavor layers without extra effort. These ingredients infuse incredible depth into the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Low and Slow Wisdom: Maintain a gentle simmer instead of rapid boiling. Slow cooking allows beans to become perfectly tender without breaking apart or losing their shape, creating a more attractive and satisfying texture.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Transform this soup into a protein-packed vegan meal by using vegetable broth and adding plant-based protein like quinoa or extra beans. For gluten-free needs, serve with gluten-free bread or skip bread entirely.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing a large batch. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for future quick meals.

Ways To Serve Easy Chicken Wraps

  • Hearty Bread Companion: Serve the bean soup with a slice of warm, crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
  • Zesty Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives on top to add a burst of color and fresh, bright flavor that complements the soup's earthy notes.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top each bowl with crumbled feta cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to enhance the protein content and add creamy texture.
  • Spice and Heat Kick: Offer hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil on the side, allowing guests to customize their soup's heat level and add an extra flavor dimension.

How To Store Easy Chicken Wraps

  • Fridge Life Extension: Store leftover bean soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated soup stays delicious for 4-5 days, maintaining rich flavors and hearty texture.
  • Freezer Magic: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, offering quick future meals with minimal prep.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore original consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
  • Batch Cooking Strategy: Double the recipe and portion soup into individual servings. This time-saving approach provides ready-to-eat meals during busy weeks, reducing daily cooking stress and ensuring nutritious options are always available.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Easy Chicken Wraps

For Beans and Liquid Base:
  • Dried Beans: Earthy powerhouse packed with protein, choose organic beans for deeper flavor and better texture.
  • Vegetable Broth: Liquid foundation adding subtle vegetable depth, select low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
For Aromatics and Flavor Builders:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic flavor trio creating robust vegetable base, pick fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
  • Garlic: Aromatic punch that elevates entire soup's complexity, choose firm cloves without sprouts.
  • Bay Leaves: Subtle herbal undertone providing gentle background warmth, select whole leaves for maximum infusion.
  • Dried Thyme: Delicate herbal note complementing bean's earthiness, ensure freshness by checking potent aroma.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky dimension, opt for high-quality Spanish varieties for authentic taste.
For Finishing and Brightness:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Tangy element adding slight acidity and depth, select fire-roasted for enhanced flavor.
  • Kale or Spinach: Optional green boost providing nutrients and color, choose crisp, vibrant leaves.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright finishing touch cutting through soup's richness, use fresh-squeezed for best results.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning transforming flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for intense aroma.
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Hearty Bean Soup Recipe

Hearty Bean Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Italian bean soup delights with rustic Tuscan flavors and simple ingredients. Nourishing comfort awaits when you savor each spoonful of this classic peasant dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) dried navy beans (or 15-bean mix)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) (411 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bean Preparation: Thoroughly rinse dried beans, soak overnight in abundant water, then drain and rinse completely before cooking.
  2. Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, caramelize onions, carrots, and celery until softened, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Liquid Integration: Add pre-soaked beans to the vegetable base, pour vegetable broth and tomatoes to fully cover ingredients. Introduce bay leaves, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to create a robust flavor foundation.
  4. Simmering Process: Bring mixture to a vigorous boil, immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, occasionally checking bean tenderness, allowing soup to develop complex flavors for 90-120 minutes.
  5. Final Enhancement: Incorporate leafy greens like kale or spinach during the last cooking stage, allowing them to wilt and meld seamlessly into the soup.
  6. Seasoning Refinement: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Brighten the flavor profile with a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
  7. Presentation: Ladle the hearty soup into warm bowls, serving alongside crusty artisan bread for a complete, soul-warming meal.

Notes

  • Soak Beans Thoroughly: Overnight soaking softens beans, reduces cooking time, and helps eliminate digestive discomfort by breaking down complex sugars.
  • Layer Vegetables Carefully: Slow-sauté vegetables creates a flavor foundation, developing natural sweetness and depth through gentle caramelization.
  • Monitor Liquid Levels: Consistently check soup’s liquid content during simmering to prevent burning and ensure beans cook evenly without becoming dry.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap vegetable broth with low-sodium options, add protein like diced chicken, or include gluten-free bread for diverse dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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