Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix Recipe

Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix is a wholesome, nutritious, and satisfying choice for a hearty meal. It brings together a rich variety of beans, creating a filling, flavorful, and nutrient-dense soup that’s perfect for any time of year-whether it’s a chilly winter day or a simple comfort food craving. The beauty of this soup mix lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s not just about throwing some beans into a pot; it’s about creating a soulful dish that’s easy to make, but loaded with flavor, texture, and health benefits.

This recipe is great for busy people who want a homemade, slow-cooked meal without the hassle of spending hours on prep. Plus, it’s a perfect choice for anyone with dietary restrictions-whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a healthy meal option that’s both filling and delicious.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a fantastic 13 Bean Soup using Bob’s Red Mill mix, from gathering the ingredients to cooking and even experimenting with variations. Let’s dive in!

Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix Recipe

This is one of those recipes that you can pretty much set and forget. The slow-cooked beans simmer gently, absorbing all the rich flavors from the broth and spices. With Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix, you’re starting with a medley of different beans that cook up beautifully together to create a nourishing and flavorful dish. The best part? You can add your own flair with extra seasonings and toppings or tweak the ingredients to match your taste preferences.

Here’s a simple, yet incredibly satisfying way to prepare Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup:

Ingredients Needed

For this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix (1 package, 20 oz): This contains a variety of beans including navy, pinto, black, kidney, garbanzo, and more.
• Vegetable Broth (6-8 cups): You can also use chicken broth for a richer flavor, but vegetable broth keeps it vegan and lighter.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing your vegetables to add richness.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
• Carrots (2 medium, chopped): These provide color, flavor, and some natural sweetness.
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Gives the soup a nice crunch and a fresh, herby taste.
• Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): The garlic really enhances the overall flavor.
• Bay Leaves (2): These are key for adding an aromatic, earthy base flavor.
• Thyme (1 tsp dried, or a few sprigs fresh): A classic herb that complements the beans perfectly.
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): For a smoky depth that elevates the soup’s flavor.
• Salt (1-2 tsp, to taste): Bring out all the flavors in the soup.
• Black Pepper (1 tsp, freshly ground): Adds a little heat and spice.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or cilantro, sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt, or shredded cheese if you’re looking for something a little richer.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Beans: Start by rinsing the Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix under cold water to remove any debris. Then, soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick-soak method: boil the beans for 2-3 minutes, then cover and let them sit for an hour.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the soaked (and drained) beans. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer: Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
5. Serve & Garnish: Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a spoonful of sour cream, or cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout ingredients in this recipe:

• Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix: This pre-blended mix is what makes this recipe so easy and convenient. By using a variety of beans, you not only get a range of flavors but also a mix of textures. From the creamy kidney beans to the firmer black beans and the tender garbanzo beans, each bite has something different to offer.
• Vegetable Broth: Broth adds a savory depth to the soup, infusing all the beans with flavor as they cook. Vegetable broth is the best option if you want a light, plant-based soup. It also pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• Smoked Paprika: This spice is a game changer. It brings a smoky flavor that adds complexity and depth to the soup without the need for meat. It also contributes a lovely red hue to the broth, making the soup visually appealing.
• Herbs (Bay Leaves & Thyme): These herbs are the backbone of the soup’s flavor profile. Bay leaves add a subtle, almost floral note, while thyme brings an earthy, aromatic element that balances the beans.

Expert Tips

• Soaking the Beans: If you skip the soaking process, you’ll need to cook the beans longer to ensure they soften. Soaking helps to reduce cooking time, and it also makes the beans easier to digest.
• Don’t Skip the Sautéing: It might seem like an unnecessary step, but sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth brings out their natural sweetness and creates a deeper flavor profile for the soup.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup gets too thick, you can easily adjust it by adding a little more broth or water as it cooks.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. It’s perfect for meal prep, and leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
• Add a Protein: If you’d like to make the soup a little heartier, consider adding some plant-based protein like lentils or even some cooked quinoa.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations to experiment with:

• Spicy Bean Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Meat Lover’s Version: Add some sausage, bacon, or ham to make the soup heartier and even more flavorful.
• Smokier Flavor: For an extra smoky touch, add a bit of liquid smoke or smoked sausage. You can also use smoked vegetable broth for an added dimension of flavor.
• Tomato-based: If you like a tomato-flavored bean soup, stir in a can of crushed tomatoes about halfway through cooking.
• Coconut Milk: For a creamy twist, you can add a cup of coconut milk at the end of cooking. It gives the soup a velvety texture and a hint of sweetness.

Final Words

Bob’s Red Mill 13 Bean Soup Mix is more than just an easy meal-it’s a canvas for creativity. This hearty, wholesome soup can be tweaked to fit any palate, from classic to adventurous. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or make it your own, you’ll end up with a filling, satisfying dish that brings people together around the table. And with the mix of beans in the soup, you’re not only enjoying a meal that’s rich in flavor but also in nutrition-packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.