When the chill of winter sets in, nothing beats a hearty bowl of soup to warm your soul. And if you’re looking for a recipe that combines nutrition, flavor, and comfort, you’ve found the perfect one: 6 Bean Soup. This recipe is a wonderful, rich blend of beans that are both filling and packed with protein. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile dish that you can tweak to your taste, and it’s also an ideal meal for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simple ingredients, yet it’s layered with so much depth of flavor. The combination of beans, vegetables, and herbs creates a satisfying, wholesome dish that will leave you coming back for more. Plus, beans are known for their health benefits, making this soup not only delicious but also nourishing.
Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes this 6 Bean Soup so special.
6 Bean Soup Recipe
This soup brings together an assortment of beans, vegetables, and seasonings that harmonize beautifully. The six types of beans-each with their own unique texture and flavor-combine to create a deliciously hearty and healthy soup that is both filling and comforting.
Ingredients Needed
To make this soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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Beans
- 1 cup of black beans
- 1 cup of kidney beans
- 1 cup of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- 1 cup of white beans (cannellini or Great Northern work well)
- 1 cup of pinto beans
- 1 cup of lima beans
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Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds color and sweetness)
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Liquid
- 6 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred)
- 2 cups of water
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Seasonings & Herbs
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of thyme (or 2 sprigs of fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Acid & Sweetness
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice for a more zesty twist)
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Cooking Instructions
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Prep The Beans
- If you’re using dried beans (which I highly recommend for their texture and flavor), start by soaking them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse them before using. If you’re short on time, canned beans will work fine-just be sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess salt.
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Saute The Aromatics
- In a large soup pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper (if using). Saute these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Add The Tomato Paste And Seasonings
- Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Let this mixture cook for 2 minutes so the spices bloom, intensifying their flavor.
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Add The Beans, Broth, And Water
- Pour in all the beans, the vegetable broth, and the water. Add the bay leaf, and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until all the beans are tender.
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Final Touches
- Once the soup is cooked and the beans are soft, stir in the apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you’d like, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese also adds a nice touch.
Ingredient Insights
Each of the six beans in this recipe brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish:
- Black Beans: With their creamy texture and earthy flavor, they add body to the soup while absorbing the flavors of the broth.
- Kidney Beans: Known for their firm texture, kidney beans hold up well during cooking and provide a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): These beans are slightly nutty and add a wonderful bite, contrasting with the softer beans in the soup.
- White Beans (Cannellini or Great Northern): These beans are tender and creamy, creating a smooth and velvety texture in the soup.
- Pinto Beans: Pinto beans have a soft, creamy texture when cooked, and they absorb the soup’s seasonings beautifully.
- Lima Beans: These beans are buttery and rich, contributing a subtle sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
Together, these beans create a dynamic texture that makes every spoonful interesting and satisfying.
Expert Tips
- Soaking Dried Beans: If you’re using dried beans, don’t skip the soaking step! It helps reduce cooking time and ensures that the beans cook evenly. Soak them overnight or use the quick soak method (boil them for 2-3 minutes, then let them sit for an hour).
- Flavor Building: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 45 minutes to let the flavors meld. The longer it sits, the better it gets. You can even make it a day ahead of time, as the flavors will continue to develop.
- Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can take a portion of the beans (about 1-2 cups) and blend them with some of the broth, then stir them back into the soup. This adds thickness without the need for heavy cream.
- Don’t Overcook: Beans can become mushy if overcooked, so check the tenderness of your beans towards the end of the cooking time. You want them to be tender but not falling apart.
Recipe Variations
- Add Meat: If you’re craving a meaty version, you can easily add sausage, bacon, or even shredded chicken to the soup. Brown the meat along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor.
- Spicy Bean Soup: For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapenos or a diced chili pepper along with the onions. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when seasoning the soup.
- Vegetable Boost: Try adding other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale to the mix for added nutrition and color.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley for variety. A little smoked paprika could also lend a smoky depth to the soup.
Final Words
This 6 Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s one of those recipes that you can make your own-adjusting the beans, spices, and vegetables to suit your preferences. Whether you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals or you’re simply craving something nourishing, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s the perfect balance of hearty, healthy, and flavorful. Plus, it’s easy to make in a big batch, so you can enjoy it for several days or freeze it for later.