Three Bean Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Recipe

Three Bean Soup: a hearty, comforting classic that’s surprisingly easy to make! Have you ever craved a meal that warms you from the inside out, filling you with a sense of wholesome goodness? This isn’t just any soup; it’s a flavorful journey through textures and tastes, a culinary hug in a bowl.

Bean soups, in general, have a long and fascinating history, stretching back to ancient civilizations where beans were a staple food. They were a practical and nutritious way to feed families, and variations of bean soup can be found in cultures all over the world. This particular Three Bean Soup recipe draws inspiration from those traditions, combining the earthy flavors of kidney beans, cannellini beans, and black beans into a harmonious blend.

What makes this soup so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of creamy and slightly chunky textures, the satisfying heartiness that keeps you full for hours, and the incredible depth of flavor that comes from simmering the beans with aromatic vegetables and savory spices. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking, adding different vegetables, herbs, or even a touch of smoked sausage for extra richness. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. I know it’s one of mine!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained (optional, for extra flavor and heat)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, avocado slices, tortilla chips

Sautéing the Aromatics

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is all about building flavor. We’re going to sauté our aromatics to create a delicious base for the soup.

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer, but not smoke.
2. Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; allowing the onion to soften properly will really enhance the flavor of the soup.
3. Add the garlic and bell peppers: Add the minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers are slightly softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Stir in the spices: Add the dried oregano, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, until fragrant. This step is crucial for blooming the spices and releasing their full flavor.

Building the Soup Base

Now that we’ve got our aromatics and spices ready, it’s time to build the main body of the soup. This is where all the delicious bean and tomato flavors come together.

1. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and diced tomatoes and green chilies (if using). Stir to combine.
2. Stir in the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir until it is fully dissolved into the broth. Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
3. Add the beans: Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Simmering and Flavor Development

This is where the magic happens! Simmering the soup allows all the flavors to meld together and create a truly delicious and satisfying dish. Patience is key here!

1. Bring to a simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
2. Stir occasionally: Stir the soup occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Add the vinegar and brown sugar: After simmering for at least 30 minutes, stir in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar (if using). The vinegar adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors, while the brown sugar balances the acidity and adds a hint of sweetness.
4. Season to taste: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small amount of salt and pepper, and then add more as needed. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning until it’s just right for you.

Optional: Thicken the Soup (if desired)

If you prefer a thicker soup, there are a couple of ways you can achieve this. Here are two options:

Option 1: Blending

1. Partially blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. Be careful not to over-blend it; you want to leave some chunks of beans and vegetables for texture. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer about 1-2 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.

Option 2: Cornstarch Slurry

1. Make a cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
2. Add the slurry to the soup: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serving and Enjoying

Finally, the best part! It’s time to serve up your delicious Three Bean Soup and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

1. Serve hot: Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
2. Add your favorite toppings: Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, avocado slices, and tortilla chips. Get creative and customize your soup to your liking!
3. Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty and flavorful Three Bean Soup! This soup is also great for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together even more. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For a spicier soup, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
• Use different beans: You can substitute other types of beans, such as great northern beans or cannellini beans, for any of the beans listed in the recipe.
• Make it vegetarian/vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring that your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly and omitting any dairy-based toppings.
• Slow Cooker Option: This soup can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Three Bean Soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting and nourishing experience that I truly believe everyone should try. From its vibrant flavors to its incredible versatility, it’s a dish that adapts to your preferences and dietary needs. I’ve been making this soup for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether I’m serving it to family, friends, or just enjoying a quiet night in myself.

What makes this soup a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can absolutely nail this recipe. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have lurking in your fridge. Talk about reducing food waste!

But beyond its simplicity, the flavor profile is truly exceptional. The combination of the three different beans creates a wonderful depth of flavor and texture. The spices add warmth and complexity, while the vegetables contribute freshness and vibrancy. It’s a symphony of tastes that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits! This soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s a great way to boost your immune system, improve your digestion, and keep you feeling full and energized for hours. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy any time of day.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now, let’s talk about how you can customize this Three Bean Soup to your liking. For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or even diced ham. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can easily omit the meat and still have a delicious and satisfying soup. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley brightens up the flavors. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Other variations you might enjoy include adding different types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or black-eyed peas. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or bell peppers. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.

I personally love serving this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s also delicious with a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple salad. And if you have any leftovers, they’re even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, creating an even richer and more complex taste.

Ultimately, the beauty of this recipe is that it’s completely adaptable to your own preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and create a soup that you truly love.

Your Turn to Cook!

I truly hope you’ll give this Three Bean Soup recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, flavorful, and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. And remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

Once you’ve made this soup, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #ThreeBeanSoupRecipe. Let me know what variations you tried and what you thought of the flavor. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’re making my recipes their own. Happy cooking!

---