Hearty Three-Bean Winter Vegetable Soup
Warm your soul with this delicious and nourishing Hearty Three-Bean Winter Vegetable Soup. Passed down from a cherished friend, this recipe features a delightful mix of red kidney beans, romano beans, navy beans, lentils, split peas, and pearl barley that meld together to create a rich, flavorful broth. Infused with aromatic vegetables, robust Italian sausage, and a hint of spice, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings by the fire. Whether it's a chilly winter night or you're simply craving comfort food year-round, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
10 bean soup mix
1 1/2 cups (rinsed and soaked)
cold water
6 cups (for cooking the beans)
large onion
1 (chopped)
large carrots
2 (chopped)
hot Italian sausage or Italian sweet sausage
3 (sliced)
diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (undrained)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
ground cloves
1 pinch (for seasoning)
dry sherry
2 tablespoons (optional)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Rinse the bean mix thoroughly, then cover generously with cold water and soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain the beans once soaked.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the soaked bean mixture with 6 cups of fresh cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the beans to simmer gently for about 1-1/2 hours, or until they are tender.
4
After the beans are tender, add the chopped onions, carrots, sliced sausage, undrained diced tomatoes, chili powder, and ground cloves to the pot.
5
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, leaving the pot uncovered, and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
6
Finally, stir in the dry sherry (if using), lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Three-Bean Winter Vegetable Soup?
It is a rich and nourishing soup made with a variety of beans, lentils, split peas, barley, vegetables, and Italian sausage.
Which beans are included in the 10-bean soup mix?
The recipe specifically highlights red kidney beans, romano beans, navy beans, lentils, and split peas, along with pearl barley.
How long should I soak the bean mixture?
The beans should be rinsed thoroughly and soaked in cold water for 8 hours or overnight.
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for a dry mix, you can use canned beans if you reduce the initial cooking time and water volume.
What type of Italian sausage is recommended?
You can use either hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick or Italian sweet sausage for a milder flavor.
Is this soup considered spicy?
The spiciness depends on your choice of sausage and the teaspoon of chili powder, but it is generally a warm, mild heat.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage and using vegetable-based seasonings.
What is the purpose of adding dry sherry?
Dry sherry is an optional ingredient that adds a sophisticated depth of flavor and acidity to the broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
How long do the beans need to simmer initially?
Once the soaked beans are brought to a boil in fresh water, they should simmer for about 1.5 hours.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should add the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes undrained to keep the flavorful juices in the soup.
Why is lemon juice added at the end?
Fresh lemon juice is added at the final stage to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the beans and sausage.
Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, after the initial soak, you can combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
How should I store leftover soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this hearty soup freezes very well in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What vegetables are included in the base recipe?
The recipe calls for one large chopped onion and two large chopped carrots.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely, you can easily add celery, kale, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value.
What flavor does ground cloves add?
A pinch of ground cloves provides a subtle, warm aromatic note that complements the winter theme of the soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, the inclusion of pearl barley in the 10-bean mix means this recipe contains gluten.
How can I tell when the beans are fully cooked?
The beans are done when they are tender throughout and no longer have a firm or chalky texture.
Can I skip the soaking process?
Soaking is highly recommended to ensure even cooking and to make the beans easier to digest.
How much water is needed to cook the beans?
The recipe specifies 6 cups of fresh cold water for the initial simmering of the beans.
Should the pot be covered during the second simmer?
No, the pot should be left uncovered for the final 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
What is a good substitute for dry sherry?
A splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine can be used as a substitute, or it can be omitted entirely.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of multiple legumes and pearl barley makes this a very high-fiber meal.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs excellently with crusty Italian bread, a side salad, or whole-grain crackers.
Can I use an Instant Pot for this recipe?
Yes, you can pressure cook the beans for about 35-40 minutes instead of the 1.5-hour simmer.
Does the barley make the soup thick?
Yes, the pearl barley releases starches that naturally thicken the broth as it cooks.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to double for large gatherings, provided you have a large enough stockpot.
What makes this soup a 'winter' recipe?
Its hearty ingredients, warm spices like cloves and chili powder, and high protein content make it ideal for cold weather.