Delicious Soup Beans Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

As the air gets cooler and leaves start to fall, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup beans. The smell alone takes you back to Grandma’s kitchen. It’s a dish that warms both your body and soul.

This recipe is a mix of tender beans, smoky ham, and spices. It’s a true labor of love. It’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly day.

What are Soup Beans?

Soup beans, also known as “bean soup,” are a favorite in the South. They’re made with dried beans and tasty ingredients. Common beans include white beans like cannellini or Great Northern, and pinto, kidney, and navy beans.

These legumes are cooked until tender. This makes a warm, nourishing soup. It’s a key dish in Appalachian cuisine.

Varieties of Soup Beans

In the Appalachian region, pinto beans are the go-to for soup beans. But, other beans can also be used. Some favorites are:

• Pinto beans
• Kidney beans
• Navy beans
• Cannellini beans
• Great Northern beans

These beans are full of protein, fiber, and carbs. They’re nutritious and filling for soup.

Nutritional Benefits of Soup Beans

Soup beans are tasty and good for you. They’re rich in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They also have important vitamins and minerals.

Eating soup beans can help with digestion, heart health, and blood sugar. The mix of beans and spices makes it a comforting, healthy meal.

Preparing the Soup Beans

To make a tasty soup beans dish, start by preparing the dried beans. This involves soaking the beans and sautéing the aromatic vegetables.

Soaking the Dried Beans

Soaking the dried beans is crucial. It shortens cooking time and makes the beans tender. Soak the beans overnight or for at least 2 hours before cooking.

To soak the beans, put them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for the desired time. Then, drain and rinse the beans before you start the recipe.

Sautéing the Aromatics

After soaking the beans, sauté the aromatic vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots. This step enhances the flavors and makes a rich soup base.

Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and smell good.

The sautéed aromatics are the soup’s foundation. They add flavor to the beans and other ingredients.

Cooking Time and Servings

This delicious soup beans recipe cooks in about 45 minutes. You’ll spend 15 minutes preparing and 30 minutes cooking. It serves 4, great for family meals or meal prep.

The secret to its flavor is simmering on the stovetop. This lets the beans soften and the seasonings blend. With pantry staples making up 68% of the ingredients, it’s also budget-friendly, costing $1.22 per serving.

It’s a protein-rich dish, with 40% of calories from protein. You can also make it versatile. One pound of dried pinto beans can serve about 6, perfect for meal planning.

Ingredients for the soup beans recipe

To make a tasty and healthy soup beans recipe, you’ll need some key ingredients. You’ll start with olive oil, butter, and diced onion. Then, add celery, carrots, and garlic for extra flavor. The main ingredient is canned white kidney (cannellini) beans, which make the soup creamy and flavorful.

To boost the taste, use chicken broth. You’ll also need a mix of seasonings and herbs. These include salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and a bit of cayenne pepper.

Main Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Butter
• Diced onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Canned white kidney (cannellini) beans
• Chicken broth

Seasoning and Herbs

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Cayenne pepper

These ingredients mix to make a delicious and comforting soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a tasty pot of how to make soup beans is simple. Just follow these easy steps to make bean soup for a meal that warms your heart and fills your belly:

1. Begin by cooking the aromatic vegetables. In a big pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the onions are clear.
2. Drain and rinse the how-to-make soup beans. Put the drained and rinsed beans in the pot. Add 6 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
3. Let the soup boil, then lower the heat. Simmer for 40 minutes, or until the veggies are soft.
4. Use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup. This keeps some beans chunky for texture. Or, blend a cup or two in a blender and mix it back in.
5. Stir in some crème fraîche or heavy cream, and a bit of fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

By following these steps to make bean soup, you’ll get comforting, creamy, and tasty how to make soup beans. It’s ideal for a cozy meal.

Stovetop Cooking Method

Looking for an easy way to make soup beans at home? The stovetop method is perfect. It lets the flavors mix well as the beans simmer for about 30 minutes. This makes a warm and healthy dish.

First, soak the dried soup beans for at least 8 hours or overnight. This makes them cook faster and evenly. Then, sauté onions, garlic, and seasonings to create a tasty base for the soup.

After sautéing, add the soaked beans, broth or water, and extra ingredients like tomatoes or herbs. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the beans are soft and the flavors blend well.

The cooking time can change based on the beans’ freshness. Start checking them after an hour and every 15 minutes after that. They’re done when they’re very soft and the liquid is thick.

With the stovetop method, you can quickly make a warm and healthy bowl of soup beans. It’s perfect for a quick dinner. Remember to keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Slow Cooker Method

Preparing soup beans in a slow cooker is great for busy days. It’s a comforting, hands-off meal. The slow cooking process makes the flavors rich and satisfying. Follow these steps to make flavorful soup beans in your crockpot.

Start by soaking the dried beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. This reduces cooking time and prevents gas. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.

Use about 1 cup of soaked beans per quart of slow cooker capacity. This ensures the beans cook well without overcrowding. Remember, red kidney beans need to be boiled for 10 minutes to avoid digestive issues.

Add bay leaves, garlic cloves, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. These simple additions can make a big difference. Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the beans simmer for 8-10 hours, or on high for 3-6 hours, until they’re tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.

Using a slow cooker for soup beans is cost-effective. Dried beans are cheaper than canned, making it a budget-friendly option. You can also make a large batch and enjoy leftovers or freeze them for later.

By following this simple slow cooker method, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious soup bean dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or as a versatile side. Serve it with cornbread, over rice, or with your favorite toppings for a comforting meal.

Instant Pot Cooking Method

The Instant Pot is a great choice for quick how-to-make soup beans in an instant pot recipe. It cooks the soup in about 30 minutes. This method keeps the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients while saving time.

To make soup beans in an instant pot, start by rinsing the dried beans. Put them in the Instant Pot. Add 6 cups of water per pound of beans, along with aromatics and seasonings. Close the lid and set it to “Beans/Chili” for 30 minutes.

1. Rinse the dried soup beans and place them in the Instant Pot.
2. Add 6 cups of water per pound of beans.
3. Add the aromatics and seasonings according to the recipe.
4. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to the “Beans/Chili” setting.
5. Cook the beans for approximately 30 minutes.

After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 15-20 minutes. This makes the beans tender and flavorful. Then, quickly release any remaining pressure and open the lid.

The instant pot soup beans are now ready to eat or use in other dishes. This method makes a delicious and comforting bowl of soup beans quickly.

The Instant Pot method is a game-changer for how to make soup beans in an Instant Pot. It offers a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food.

Thickening the Soup

If you want a thicker, more satisfying bean soup, there are easy ways to do it. One method is to remove the pot lid towards the end of cooking. This lets some liquid evaporate, making the flavors stronger.

Another good way is to mash or puree some beans in the pot. Use a spoon, potato masher, or immersion blender to break down beans. This releases starches, making the soup creamy and velvety.

You can also add flour or cornstarch to the soup. Just mix it with a bit of broth first to avoid lumps. Adding cream, coconut milk, or yogurt can make the soup creamy and indulgent.

Experimenting with different methods is key to thickening your bean soup. With a bit of trial and error, you can make your soup a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to please.

Serving Suggestions

The delicious bean soup recipe pairs well with many side dishes. Try it with fresh salads, homemade biscuits, cornbread, or crusty bread. These options enhance the soup’s flavors and soak up the broth.

For a balanced meal, pair the soup with a crisp green salad. Options like Keto Broccoli Salad or Broccoli Apple Salad add a nice contrast. Their crunchy texture and vibrant flavors are a perfect match.

For a heartier meal, serve the soup with homemade biscuits or cornbread. These items soak up the broth, making the meal more filling and comforting.

For a casual option, try pairing the soup with crusty bread. A French baguette or rustic loaf works great. It’s perfect for dipping into the soup.

Choosing any of these side dishes will make the bean soup a hit. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.

The bean soup can be a main dish or paired with side dishes for a complete meal. Whether you prefer a light salad or a comforting bread, there are many options. These choices are great for what to serve with bean soup and side dishes for bean soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover bean soup is a great treat, but it needs proper care to stay tasty. To store your bean soup, put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bean soup for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it again, heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir often to keep the flavors and texture right.

Reheating Methods

1. Stovetop Reheating: Put the leftover bean soup in a saucepan. Heat it over medium, stirring often, until it’s warm.
2. Microwave Reheating: Put the bean soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s hot enough.

Choose your reheating method wisely. Keep an eye on the soup to avoid overcooking or drying. With a bit of attention, you can enjoy your leftover bean soup days later.

“The Tuscan White Bean Soup was a hit! It’s the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day. I’ll definitely be making this again.”

soup beans recipe Variations

The classic bean soup recipe can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. Explore these tasty variations to add more diversity to your soup beans experience:

Different Bean Varieties

While the traditional 15-bean soup mix is a delicious blend, you can experiment with other bean types such as:

• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans
• Lima beans
• Cannellini beans

Protein-Packed Additions

For an extra protein boost, consider adding smoked sausage, diced ham, or crispy bacon to your soup beans recipe. These savory ingredients will complement the overall flavor profile.

Veggie-Focused Variations

Enhance the nutritional value of your soup beans by stirring in fresh spinach, kale, or diced tomatoes. These vibrant vegetables will not only add color but also valuable vitamins and minerals.

Seasoning Adjustments

Play with the spices and herbs to create a more Cajun-inspired or vegetarian-friendly version of the dish. Experiment with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Embrace the versatility of this bean soup recipe and let your creativity shine. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to discover your new favorite variation.

Expert Tips

Creating the best bean soup starts with the right ingredients. Choose high-quality, freshly harvested dried beans for deeper flavors. Specialty beans from places like Rancho Gordo are a good choice, but they might cost more than store-bought beans.

Proper preparation is key. Soaking dried beans overnight is recommended for better texture and cooking time. This helps soften the beans and can prevent digestive issues. After soaking, you can cook the beans on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot. This allows the flavors to blend for a satisfying soup.

1. Use fresh, quality dried beans for the best flavor and texture.
2. Soak the beans overnight for improved cooking results.
3. Experiment with different cooking methods to find your preferred technique.
4. Season the soup to taste, adjusting herbs and spices to suit your personal preferences.
5. Make the soup in advance to allow the flavors to develop and intensify.

By following these expert tips, you’ll be on your way to crafting the most delicious and comforting bean soup. Enjoy experimenting with different bean varieties, seasonings, and cooking methods to find your signature soup. It will warm you from the inside out.

Conclusion

This homemade bean soup recipe is a delicious and comforting classic. It’s perfect for any season. You can make a hearty and flavorful soup by following the steps and using different cooking methods.

It’s great as a main dish or part of a bigger meal. This summary of bean soup recipes will quickly become a family favorite.

The soup combines tender beans, savory seasonings, and aromatic vegetables. It’s both nourishing and satisfying. The final thoughts on homemade bean soup are that it’s versatile and can be tailored to your taste or dietary needs.

It can be cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. This makes it easy for cooks of all levels.

This bean soup recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Southern dish. Adding it to your meal rotation means you can enjoy its rich flavors and warmth all year.