There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that warm you from the inside out. If you’ve ever wanted a simple, nourishing, and utterly delicious meal that’s easy to make yet filled with rich flavors, Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup Recipe might just be your next go-to. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, this recipe offers a comforting way to introduce beans into your meals, not to mention how customizable it can be based on your preferences.
Bob’s Red Mill is well-known for their high-quality grains and legumes, and their bean soup mix is no exception. It’s a blend of different types of beans, dried vegetables, and seasonings that, when combined with a few additional ingredients, transforms into a full, flavorful soup that’s both filling and nourishing.
Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can get the most out of this fantastic soup recipe and maybe even make a few twists on it to suit your tastes.
Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup Recipe
The magic behind Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup is in the simplicity of the ingredients. This recipe is not about complicated methods or high-end techniques, but rather about taking the time to let those ingredients come together and create something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s all about balance: hearty beans, aromatic herbs, and savory broth to create a bowl of soup that’s just as satisfying as it is nourishing.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup recipe is its minimalism. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup Mix: This mix includes a variety of beans like great northern beans, red beans, and lentils, along with dried vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery.
- Water or Broth: Depending on your preference, you can use either water or a broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef) to bring out the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables, creating a flavor base for the soup.
- Onion: Chopped. It’s the aromatic foundation of many soups, providing that deep savory flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic: Minced. Garlic intensifies the flavor profile and adds a nice, zesty kick to the soup.
- Carrot: Diced. Adds sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Diced. Contributes a refreshing, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the carrot.
- Seasonings: You’ll typically need salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. You can also add a pinch of thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
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Optional Add-ins
- Bacon or ham for extra flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley for garnish.
- A splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten up the dish.
Cooking Instructions
Making Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup is simple and straightforward, but it requires a little patience, as beans need time to soften and absorb all the flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare it:
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Soak The Beans (if Recommended By Package)
- Some bean mixes require soaking, but Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup Mix may not always require this step. Check the package for specific instructions. If soaking is recommended, cover the beans with water and let them sit overnight, or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them rest for 1 hour.
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Sauté Vegetables
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become softened and aromatic. This step creates the flavorful base for your soup.
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Add The Bean Mix And Liquid
- Stir in the Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup Mix. Add about 6 cups of water or broth, depending on how thick you want your soup. Bring it to a boil.
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Simmer The Soup
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level-add more water or broth if it gets too thick.
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Season And Serve
- Once the beans are cooked, season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot. Optionally, top with fresh parsley or a splash of vinegar to give it some brightness.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup serves a purpose. Let’s take a deeper dive into why they’re so important for flavor and nutrition:
- Beans: Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup Mix uses a combination of dried beans that provide protein, fiber, and a rich, earthy flavor. Beans like great northern and red beans are mild and absorb the broth’s flavors well, making them ideal for a soup like this.
- Broth vs Water: Broth adds complexity and richness to the soup. Whether you use chicken, vegetable, or beef broth, it infuses the soup with additional layers of flavor. Water, on the other hand, will give you a more neutral base, allowing the beans and vegetables to shine on their own.
- Vegetables: Onion, carrot, and celery-also known as a mirepoix in French cooking-are often the backbone of soups and stews. They add layers of flavor, sweetness, and texture. When sautéed together, they form a foundation that makes any soup taste robust.
- Olive Oil: This healthy fat helps in sautéing and contributes a subtle richness that makes the soup feel indulgent. It also helps in extracting flavors from the vegetables and herbs.
- Herbs and Spices: Simple additions like bay leaves, garlic, and thyme elevate the soup without overpowering the beans. The long simmering process helps these spices infuse the broth, creating a savory, aromatic flavor profile.
Expert Tips
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a few sprigs of fresh thyme for an extra layer of flavor. You can also throw in a couple of teaspoons of tomato paste if you want to deepen the richness of the broth.
- Use a Slow Cooker: If you prefer the convenience of a slow cooker, you can easily adapt this recipe. Just sauté the vegetables first, add the beans, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Pre-soaking the Beans: While not always necessary, soaking the beans can help reduce cooking time and also make the beans easier to digest. If you don’t have time to soak, you can always cook the beans directly, but be sure to add extra cooking time.
- Add Protein: For an even heartier dish, consider adding some cooked chicken, sausage, or a few crumbled slices of bacon to the soup for a meatier version.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts of Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup Recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes:
- Vegan Version: Skip the bacon and ham, and use vegetable broth to keep it fully plant-based.
- Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the pot while cooking for a little heat.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, you can puree a portion of the beans once cooked, or add a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end.
- Italian Twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a teaspoon of dried oregano to give it an Italian flair.
Final Words
Bob’s Red Mill Bean Soup is more than just a soup-it’s a reminder that simplicity can be incredibly satisfying. With minimal ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a nutritious, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or any time you need a filling dish that doesn’t require a lot of effort.