Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Vegetarian Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats the comfort of a hearty, warm bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a nutritious, filling, and delicious vegetarian option, look no further than the Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup. This soup is packed with a delightful mix of beans, veggies, and spices that not only satisfy your hunger but also fuel your body with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

The 13 Bean Soup mix from Bob’s Red Mill makes preparing this dish incredibly easy, offering an array of beans that work together to create a rich, complex flavor profile. The best part? You can make it entirely vegetarian (or even vegan, if you prefer), and customize it to your taste preferences. It’s the ultimate comfort food, but with a healthy, wholesome twist!

Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Vegetarian Recipe

Here’s the recipe for making Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and will yield a savory, nutritious soup that’ll become a staple in your rotation. The variety of beans creates a delightful texture, while the vegetables and spices bring everything together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients Needed

Before you dive into making the soup, let’s gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vegetarian wonder:

Main Ingredients

• 1 bag of Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix (this is the star of the dish-combining several beans, including navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, and more)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (adds sweetness and depth)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for that aromatic, savory base)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (they add natural sweetness and texture)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (for crunch and flavor)
• 1 bay leaf (a subtle flavor enhancer)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for an earthy, herby note)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for a hint of Italian seasoning)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (a warm, slightly smoky flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (adds a gentle earthiness and a pop of color)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake)
• Salt and pepper to taste (season to your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds a tangy kick that balances the flavors)
• 1-2 cups greens (spinach, kale, or collard greens-optional but great for added nutrients)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or cilantro (adds color and freshness)
• A squeeze of lemon juice (for a zesty finish)
• Crusty bread (to dip and soak up the delicious broth)

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! The process is pretty straightforward, but I’ll break it down for you step by step:

1. Prep The Beans

   • First, rinse the 13 Bean Soup Mix in a colander under cold water to remove any dirt or dust. Then, place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow the beans to soak overnight (or for at least 8 hours). This helps the beans cook evenly and reduces cooking time.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the vegetables have softened slightly.

3. Add Spices

   • Once the veggies are sautéed, stir in the dried thyme, oregano, cumin, and turmeric. Let them cook for another minute or two, allowing the spices to release their aromas and flavors.

4. Combine The Beans And Broth

   • Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Add them to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together.

5. Simmer The Soup

   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Be sure to check occasionally to make sure the beans don’t overcook.

6. Finish The Soup

   • Once the beans are cooked through, add the apple cider vinegar and stir. If you’re using greens, add them to the soup now and cook for another 5-10 minutes until they wilt down.

7. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with more salt, pepper, or vinegar, depending on your preferences. If you want a more substantial soup, you can also mash some of the beans with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to create a creamier texture.

8. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Each of the ingredients in Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup serves a distinct role in making this dish a balanced, flavorful experience:

• 13 Bean Mix: The mix includes a variety of beans that not only provide different textures but also offer a wide range of health benefits. Beans are rich in protein, fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
• Vegetable Broth: This adds depth of flavor to the soup and serves as the perfect base to bring out the flavors of the beans and vegetables.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the veggies, olive oil is a healthy fat that enhances the flavor and helps carry the spices.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The vinegar’s acidity helps to brighten the soup and balances out the richness of the beans and vegetables.

Expert Tips

To take your 13 Bean Soup to the next level, consider these expert tips:

• Soak Beans Overnight: Don’t skip the soaking step! It softens the beans and reduces cooking time. If you’re in a rush, you can use the quick soak method: bring the beans to a boil for 5 minutes, then let them sit for an hour before draining.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a creamier soup, feel free to blend a portion of the soup. An immersion blender works perfectly for this!
• Season Gradually: As you cook, taste the soup every 30 minutes or so and adjust the seasoning. It allows the flavors to evolve and blend.
• Add More Veggies: Experiment with different vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers. They all add additional nutrients and flavors.
• Add Heat: If you like spice, throw in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is already a winner, here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegan Version: The recipe as written is vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, just ensure you’re using a plant-based vegetable broth and skip the optional cheese toppings.
• Smoky Version: Add a bit of smoked paprika or a small piece of smoked ham (vegetarian or otherwise) for a smoky, rich flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For extra heat, try adding some diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
• Protein Boost: While the beans are already protein-packed, you could add tofu or tempeh for even more plant-based protein.

Final Words

Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup is an excellent, versatile recipe that allows you to explore different flavors, textures, and customization options. With its rich bean mix and hearty vegetables, it’s not just a filling meal, but also an incredibly healthy one. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep-you can make a large batch and enjoy it for days, as the flavors only improve as they sit!