Slow-Cooked Hearty Bean & Vegetable Medley
Transform your dinner routine with this Slow-Cooked Hearty Bean & Vegetable Medley. This wholesome stew is packed with protein-rich assorted beans and an array of vibrant vegetables, all simmered slowly to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The combination of vegetable juice, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from apple or pineapple juice brings depth and balance to each spoonful. Perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. Just let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a nutritious meal that the whole family will love!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Assorted dried beans
1 lb (rinse and soak overnight)
Vegetable juice
2 cups (none)
Dry white wine
1/2 cup (optional)
Soy sauce
1/3 cup (none)
Apple juice or pineapple juice
1/3 cup (none)
Celery
1/2 cup (diced)
Parsnip
1/2 cup (diced)
Carrot
1/2 cup (diced)
Mushroom
1/2 cup (diced)
Onion
1 (diced)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
Bay leaf
1 (none)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cooked rice or pasta
1 cup (cooked)
Vegetable stock or water
as needed (to cover)
Instructions
1
Rinse the assorted dried beans thoroughly, then soak them in water overnight to soften.
2
After soaking, drain the beans and place them into your crock pot.
3
Pour in the vegetable juice, optional dry white wine, soy sauce, and your choice of apple or pineapple juice.
4
Fill the crock pot with vegetable stock or water, adjusting the amount depending on your preference for soupiness or stew thickness.
5
The vegetable juice provides a slight sweetness, while the soy sauce enhances the savory flavor profile.
6
Set your crock pot to cook on high for 2 hours.
7
After 2 hours, add the diced celery, parsnip, carrot, mushroom, and onion along with the dried basil, parsley, bay leaf, minced garlic, and black pepper.
8
Cover and reduce the heat to low, cooking for 5 to 6 hours or until the carrots and parsnips are tender.
9
Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked rice or pasta and allow it to heat through for an additional hour on low.
10
For best results, mix 3 or 4 varieties of beans, such as black, red kidney, pinto, baby lima, lentils, and green or yellow split peas for a delightful texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
37g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Slow-Cooked Hearty Bean & Vegetable Medley?
It is a wholesome, protein-rich stew featuring a variety of beans and vibrant vegetables simmered slowly in a flavorful base of vegetable juice and stock.
How many calories are in one serving of this bean medley?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and focuses on plant-based proteins and vegetables.
How long should the dried beans be soaked?
The dried beans should be rinsed thoroughly and soaked in water overnight to soften before cooking.
Which bean varieties are recommended for this recipe?
A mix of 3 or 4 varieties such as black beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans, baby lima beans, lentils, and green or yellow split peas is recommended.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish is very low in fat, containing only 1 gram per serving.
How many grams of protein does this stew provide?
This hearty medley provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
Can I omit the white wine from the recipe?
Yes, the dry white wine is an optional ingredient and can be excluded if preferred.
Why is soy sauce used in this bean medley?
Soy sauce is added to enhance the savory flavor profile of the stew.
What purpose does apple or pineapple juice serve in the recipe?
The fruit juice adds a hint of sweetness and helps balance the deep flavors of the vegetables and beans.
What is the initial cooking setting for the slow cooker?
The crock pot should be set to cook on high for the first 2 hours.
When should the vegetables be added to the crock pot?
Add the diced celery, parsnip, carrot, mushroom, and onion after the beans have cooked on high for 2 hours.
What herbs and spices provide the seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with dried basil, dried parsley, a bay leaf, minced garlic, and black pepper.
How long should the stew cook after adding the vegetables?
Once the vegetables are added, cover and cook on low for an additional 5 to 6 hours.
When do I add the rice or pasta?
Stir in the cooked rice or pasta once the vegetables are tender, allowing it to heat through for one final hour on low.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of soy sauce.
Can I use vegetable stock or water for the liquid base?
Yes, you can use either vegetable stock or water, adding enough to cover the ingredients to your preferred thickness.
How many garlic cloves are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the rice or pasta cooked inside the slow cooker from raw?
No, the rice or pasta should be previously cooked before being stirred into the crock pot.
What amount of dried beans is needed?
The recipe uses 1 lb of assorted dried beans.
How much vegetable juice is used in the base?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of vegetable juice.
Can I substitute other vegetables in this medley?
While the recipe specifies celery, parsnip, carrot, mushroom, and onion, you can generally adjust the vegetable selection based on your preference.
What is the total estimated slow cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 8 to 9 hours (2 hours on high, 5-6 hours on low, and 1 hour for the rice/pasta).
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food, perfect for cozy weeknights.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Yes, its large yield and slow-cooked nature make it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
How do I know when the stew is finished cooking?
The stew is ready when the carrots and parsnips are completely tender.
What amount of celery is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of diced celery.
What amount of mushrooms should I prepare?
You will need 1/2 cup of diced mushrooms.
Can I use both apple and pineapple juice?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of either apple juice or pineapple juice.