Easy bean soup recipe. Ready in minutes!
Easy homemade bean soup recipe! This hearty & flavorful soup is made with simple ingredients & is perfect for a cozy meal. Learn how to make delicious bean soup from scratch.
Ingredients
1 pound dried beans (such as navy, kidney, pinto, or a mix)
8 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions: diced ham or bacon, diced tomatoes, fresh parsley or other herbs for garnish
Instructions
1.Rinse and soak the beans:
Rinse the dried beans in a colander, removing any debris or damaged beans. Place the beans in a large bowl or pot and cover them with plenty of cold water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Soaking helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
2.Drain the beans:
After soaking, drain the beans and discard the soaking water.
3.Sauté the vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4.Add the remaining ingredients:
Add the drained beans, water or broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of bean.
5.Check for seasoning:
Once the beans are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6.Optional additions:
If you're using ham or bacon, you can add it to the pot along with the other ingredients in step 4. If you're using diced tomatoes, you can add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
7.Serve:
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot bean soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs if desired.
