It is such a satisfying skill to be able to transform kitchen scraps and pantry staples into a delicious, comforting soup. If you don’t have this skill yet, let me teach you. I promise, it’s easy. And you probably don’t even need to go grocery shopping! I hope you find this general template for bean soup helpful!
Don’t overthink this soup, just pick something from each category below. Use up all of those bits of things in the fridge, freezer, and pantry. Just don’t skip the aromatics or the seasonings. They give this soup a richness and depth of flavor. I love to garnish mine with avocado or a drizzle of good quality olive oil, and a side of crusty bread.
Have fun! I’d love to see photos of your bean soup creations, tag me in your meal pics on Instagram @katiesconsciouskitchen. Or, join my free private facebook group to share your creations and inspire others!
Ingredients*
Aromatics (use all of these!)
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- dried Italian herbs thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, etc.
- smoked paprika large dash
- a few bay leaves it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have any
Tomatoey Things (choose at least one)
- diced tomatoes canned or fresh, about 1 can or 1-2 cups
- tomato paste a big squeeze
- miscellaneous tomatoey condiments in the fridge that need to get used up salsas, chutneys, marinara sauce, tapanades, pestos, etc.
Soup Veggies (choose any)
- carrots diced
- bell pepper diced
- celery sliced
- green beans chopped
- mushrooms sliced
- green cabbage shredded, add at the end of cooking
- kale, chard, or spinach chopped, add at the end of cooking
Extra Yummy Starchy Veggies
- butternut squash small dice
- potato or sweet potato small dice
Grains (optional, about 1/2 cup)
- rice (any kind) dry
- quinoa dry
- barley dry
- wheat berries dry
Beans (choose any, 2-3 cups)
- chickpeas cooked or canned
- white beans cooked or canned
- black beans cooked or canned
- lentils cooked or canned
Condiments & Seasonings
- 3-4 cups vegetable broth more or less to desired consistency
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh Italian herbs to garnish
Suggested Equipment*
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a heavy bottomed soup pot, sauté the onions in a light splash of olive oil. If using carrots, celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers, throw those in at this stage too. Sautéing them brings out their flavor and natural sweetness.
- When they are translucent and yummy looking (about 7 minutes) add the garlic, herbs, and paprika and sauté for a minute or so, until fragrant.
Simmer & Meld
- Add the tomatoes, veggie broth, the rest of your desired veggies (except for greens and cabbage) and dry grains (if using).
- Simmer until the longest cooking veggies (usually potatoes or carrots) are soft and the grains are cooked.
- Add seasonings, condiments, beans, and greens (if using) and simmer for a few minutes to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Serve!
- Serve with avocado or a drizzle of good olive oil.
Notes
*Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I earn a small commission on sales made from my links at no extra cost to you. The products I recommend in my posts are only brands that I can personally recommend and use myself.
