Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this fantastic 5 Bean Soup recipe! This hearty soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly impressive, perfect for showcasing your homemade cooking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a wonderful example of healthy meals done right, and it’s easily adaptable to your taste. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, cannellini beans, and great northern beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is a great opportunity to multitask and focus on other things while the delicious smells fill your kitchen!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the soup has simmered to your liking, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This 5 bean soup is a perfect quick dinner idea, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Cooking Tips for the Best 5 Bean Soup:
- For a smoother soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different beans or add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin for a delicious vegetarian chili twist.
- Hearty Sausage Soup: Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage before adding the vegetables for a richer, more savory soup.
- Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: Approximately 15-20g Fiber: Approximately 10-15g
This 5 bean soup recipe offers a fantastic balance of deliciousness and health. It’s among the best recipes for those looking for easy, healthy and flavorful meals. Enjoy!