Bean Mix Soup Recipe

The Bean Mix Soup Recipe is made with dried mixed beans, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, cumin, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. This hearty and nutritious Bean Mix Soup recipe creates a delicious dinner that takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to prepare (including soaking time) and can serve up to 6 people.

Bean Mix Soup Ingredients

• 1 cup dried mixed beans (such as black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Bean Mix Soup Instructions

1. Rinse the dried mixed beans under cold water. Soak them in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. Drain and rinse again before using.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the soaked and drained beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), zucchini, broth, thyme, oregano, cumin, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
7. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.
8. Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired.
10. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side dish.

Recipe Tips

• Soaking Beans: Soaking dried beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but also helps to remove some of the indigestible sugars that can cause gas. If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then letting them sit covered for 1 hour before draining.
• Use Homemade Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable or chicken broth instead of store-bought. If using store-bought broth, look for low-sodium options to control the salt level in your soup.
• Add Aromatics: Enhance the soup’s flavor by adding aromatics like bay leaves, fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), or even a Parmesan cheese rind while simmering. Remove these before serving for a deeper taste.

How To Store Bean Mix Soup

Refrigerate: Cool the Bean Mix Soup completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with a lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the soup. First, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How To Reheat Leftover Bean Mix Soup

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover Bean Mix Soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through.

In The Microwave: Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

On The Stovetop: Transfer the leftover soup to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.

What To Serve Bean Mix Soup

The Bean Mix Soup pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, green salad, and cornbread. It can also be served alongside rice, quinoa, baked potatoes, and sliced avocado for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the soup spicier?

To add some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or ground beef for extra protein. Just make sure to cook the meat beforehand and add it to the soup during the last 20-30 minutes of simmering.

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a fork or blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in. Another option is to add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last few minutes of cooking.

Try more recipes:

• Authentic Mulligatawny Soup recipe
• Beef Marrow Soup Recipe
• Best Campbell’s Tomato Soup Recipe