Beans are a cornerstone of many global cuisines, celebrated for their high protein content, fiber, and rich flavors. One of the best ways to showcase these nutritional gems is in a 9 Bean Soup, a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of something both satisfying and healthy.
This soup is packed with different varieties of beans, each bringing a unique texture, flavor, and nutritional benefit to the pot. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe has you covered. Not only does it provide an array of textures and tastes, but it’s also an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
In this detailed guide, I’m going to walk you through the recipe, ingredient insights, expert tips, and variations to help you make the most of this bean-packed wonder.
9 Bean Soup Vegetarian Recipe
The beauty of the 9 Bean Soup is its simplicity and flexibility. It’s essentially a medley of nine different beans, all simmered together in a savory broth, with seasonings and vegetables to enhance the flavor.
Here’s how to make your very own batch of this nutritious soup:
Ingredients Needed
To make the 9 Bean Soup, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
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Dry Beans (9 Varieties)
- Kidney Beans – These beans bring a soft texture and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
- Black Beans – Their earthy taste pairs beautifully with the other beans.
- Pinto Beans – These beans have a creamy texture once cooked, giving the soup a smooth richness.
- Great Northern Beans – Mild and nutty, they help balance out the stronger flavors.
- Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) – Add a subtle, nutty flavor and a firm bite.
- Lentils – These will break down and thicken the soup while adding a slight earthy flavor.
- White Beans – Mild in taste but help to create a velvety texture in the soup.
- Split Peas – Known for their ability to soften and break down, adding creaminess to the soup.
- Green Beans – These contribute a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and some crunch to the mix.
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Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped (or a can of diced tomatoes)
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Broth And Liquids
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or water, if you prefer)
- 2 cups tomato juice (for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular, depending on preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Red pepper flakes, optional for heat
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Fresh Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Freshly squeezed lime juice (to add a bright touch at the end)
Cooking Instructions
Making 9 Bean Soup requires some time for soaking and simmering, but it’s a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps:
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Soak The Beans
- Rinse the dry beans thoroughly to remove any dust or impurities.
- Place all the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water.
- Let them soak overnight, or use the quick-soak method: Bring the beans to a boil in a large pot, then remove from heat and let them sit, covered, for an hour. Drain and rinse the beans after soaking.
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Prepare The Vegetables
- While your beans are soaking, chop the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes.
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Cook The Soup
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, oregano, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour in the vegetable broth, tomato juice, and the soaked beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Stir occasionally, and check the consistency. Add more broth or water if needed to reach your desired thickness.
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Finishing Touches
- Once the soup is done, remove the bay leaves.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup serves a specific purpose, contributing both flavor and nutrition:
- Beans: A great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various minerals like iron and magnesium. The variety of beans ensures a diverse texture, with some breaking down to thicken the soup while others retain their shape for a hearty bite.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and bell peppers add both flavor and a range of essential vitamins like vitamin C and A. They also provide fiber, which enhances the soup’s heartiness.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Juice: These ingredients lend acidity and richness to the soup, balancing out the earthiness of the beans.
- Spices: The seasonings like cumin, paprika, and thyme bring depth and warmth, complementing the beans’ natural flavors.
Expert Tips
- Soaking Beans: Soaking beans not only shortens cooking time but also helps reduce compounds that cause bloating. Don’t skip this step, as it’s essential for achieving the right texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley can elevate the soup’s flavor significantly. Garnishing at the end adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Simmer Longer for Depth: The longer you allow the soup to simmer, the richer and more developed the flavors will be. If possible, make it a day ahead and let it sit overnight in the fridge-the flavors will continue to meld.
- Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully. If you have leftovers, portion them out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove for a quick meal later.
Recipe Variations
While this 9 Bean Soup is perfect as is, here are some ways to change it up:
- Add Greens: Stir in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for an added nutrient boost and a pop of green.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
- Smoked Flavor: If you like smoky flavors, use smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke to give the soup a barbecue-inspired taste.
- Protein Boost: Add some cooked quinoa, barley, or farro to increase the protein and fiber content even further.
- Meat Lovers’ Twist: If you’re not strictly vegetarian, you can add diced ham, bacon, or sausage to the soup for a meatier flavor.
Final Words
This 9 Bean Soup is not only an incredibly nutritious dish, but it’s also incredibly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge for several days and gets even better after sitting for a bit. The beans, vegetables, and seasonings come together to create a bowl of comfort and satisfaction, offering you a full spectrum of nutrients while being easy to make.