bean soup recipe

Here’s a basic recipe for a delicious homemade bean soup. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and seasonings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried beans (such as navy beans, pinto beans, or black beans)
• 8 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional toppings: grated cheese, chopped fresh herbs, sour cream, or croutons

Instructions:

1. Rinse and Sort the Beans:
   • Pick through the dried beans to remove any debris or stones.
   • Rinse the beans under cold water.
2. Soak the Beans (optional):
   • Soaking the beans overnight or using a quick soak method can reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
   • For the quick soak method, place the beans in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Beans and Liquid:
   • Add the soaked and drained beans (or rinsed beans if you skipped soaking) to the pot.
   • Pour in the water or vegetable broth.
   • Add the bay leaf, thyme, and oregano.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Soup:
   • Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the type and age of the beans. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
6. Season and Serve:
   • Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf.
   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
   • You can use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup if you prefer a thicker consistency, or leave it chunky.
   • Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings like grated cheese, fresh herbs, sour cream, or croutons.

Enjoy your homemade bean soup! You can customize it by adding other vegetables, greens, or spices to suit your taste.