Hearty 9 Bean Delight Soup
This Hearty 9 Bean Delight Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with a rainbow of nutrients and flavors. A delightful mix of nine different beans creates a rich and hearty texture, making this soup perfect for chilly days or a nourishing meal any time of year. Enhanced by aromatic vegetables and seasoned with savory broth, this soup is not only filling but also offers a delightful medley of taste that you and your family will love. Perfectly seasoned and satisfying, it's ideal for meal prep or as a cozy dinner option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
green lentils
1 cup (soaked)
small red beans
1 cup (soaked)
small white beans
1 cup (soaked)
light red kidney beans
1 cup (soaked)
pinto beans
1 cup (soaked)
red split lentils
1 cup (soaked)
black beans
1 cup (soaked)
black eye beans
1 cup (soaked)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (none)
chopped onion
1 (chopped)
chopped garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped)
chicken broth
4 cups (none)
diced tomatoes
28 ounces (none)
celery ribs
3 large (diced)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking your 9 bean mix in plenty of water for about 15 minutes to enhance their texture and reduce cooking time.
2
In a large saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the celery is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the vegetables are ready, drain the soaked beans and add them to the saucepan along with 4 cups of chicken broth and the 28 ounces of diced tomatoes (do not drain the tomato juices).
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
5
Once the beans are tender and the flavors meld together, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your Hearty 9 Bean Delight Soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 9 types of beans used in this soup?
The soup features a medley including green lentils, small red beans, small white beans, light red kidney beans, pinto beans, red split lentils, black beans, and black eye beans.
How long should I soak the bean mix before cooking?
It is recommended to soak your 9 bean mix in plenty of water for about 15 minutes to enhance their texture and reduce the overall cooking time.
Do I need to drain the canned diced tomatoes?
No, do not drain the tomato juices. They add essential flavor and liquid to the soup base.
How long does the Hearty 9 Bean Delight Soup need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 2 hours.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with an equal amount of vegetable broth.
How often should I stir the soup while it is simmering?
You should stir the soup every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is ideal for meal prep as the flavors continue to meld and improve over time, making it great for leftovers.
What aromatics are used in the base of the soup?
The soup base is created by sautéing chopped onion, garlic, and diced celery in olive oil.
How do I know when the beans are done?
The soup is ready when the beans are tender to the bite and the flavors have fully melded together.
Can I freeze Hearty 9 Bean Delight Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight freezer-safe containers.
How many celery ribs should I use?
This recipe calls for 3 large celery ribs, which should be diced before sautéing.
Is there a specific oil recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 4 tablespoons of olive oil for the best flavor profile.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic to provide a savory depth to the broth.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add diced ham, bacon, or sausage for extra protein and a smoky flavor if desired.
Should the soup be covered while simmering?
The instructions suggest simmering the soup uncovered for 2 hours to allow the broth to reduce slightly and thicken.
What should I serve with this soup?
This hearty soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh side salad.
What is the primary liquid base for the soup?
The primary liquid base consists of 4 cups of chicken broth and the juices from 28 ounces of diced tomatoes.
Is this soup high in protein?
Yes, thanks to the combination of nine different beans and lentils, this soup is naturally high in plant-based protein.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
Sautéing the onion, garlic, and celery typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
Can I use dried lentils or do they need to be pre-cooked?
You should use dried lentils as part of the bean mix; they will cook perfectly during the 2-hour simmering process.
Is this soup spicy?
This recipe as written is savory and mild. If you prefer spice, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
What if the soup becomes too thick while simmering?
If the soup gets too thick for your preference, simply stir in a little more broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use an Instant Pot for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a pressure cooker. Sauté the vegetables first, then cook on high pressure for about 30-40 minutes with a natural release.
How much bean mix in total is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of each of the 8 specified beans and lentils, totaling 8 cups of dry bean mix.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 3-4 cups of fresh diced tomatoes, but you may want to add a bit of tomato paste to replicate the richness of canned tomatoes.
What makes this soup 'nourishing'?
It is packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients from a wide variety of legumes and fresh aromatic vegetables.
Can I store this soup in the refrigerator?
Yes, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
The instructions advise to taste and adjust seasoning at the end, so you can add salt and pepper to your preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified, a recipe using 8 cups of dry beans and 4 cups of broth typically yields 8 to 10 generous servings.