3 bean soup recipe

The Best 3 bean soup recipe

I’ve been making this 3 bean soup recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s one of those comfort foods that never fails to hit the spot.

The combination of flavors and textures is just right, and it’s easy to make in large batches for family gatherings or leftovers. My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, and my husband requests it all the time when he’s feeling under the weather.

As for me, I love how versatile it is – we can have it as a main course or as a side dish. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber from the beans, so I feel good about serving it to my family.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients in a pot and let it simmer away. My grandmother used to make this recipe all the time when I was growing up, and she’d always tell me that the key was to use high-quality ingredients and to let the soup simmer for at least an hour to get all the flavors to meld together.

She was right – it makes all the difference in the world. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe a bit to suit our tastes, but at its core, it’s still the same hearty, comforting soup that warms our bellies and brings us together as a family.

Hearty Three Bean Soup

Hearty Three Bean Soup

4.7 from 953 votes

A comforting and nutritious soup made with three types of beans, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy meal and packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Beans

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery.
4Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
6Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices.
7Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
8The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork.
9Add the drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, and black beans to the pot.
10Stir well and continue simmering for 10 to 15 minutes until the beans are heated through and the flavors meld.
11Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
12Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Can opener
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 16g

📝Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Hearty Three Bean Soup Works

One of my favorite things about this 3 bean soup recipe is how well it stores – you can make a big batch on Sunday evening and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without worrying about food safety. And don’t even get me started on reheating – just pop it back into a pot on low heat or microwave individual portions until warmed through.

For serving ideas, I love serving this soup with some crusty bread or over rice – my kids go crazy for dipping their bread into that flavorful broth! We also like to serve it with some crusty crackers or croutons on top for added crunch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Three Bean Soup

What are the benefits of using canned beans?

Using canned beans is a great way to save time and effort when making this 3 bean soup recipe. Canned beans are already cooked and ready to use, so you can skip the step of soaking and cooking dried beans from scratch. Additionally, canned beans are often lower in sodium than their homemade counterparts, which can be beneficial for those on a low-sodium diet. However, if you do choose to use dried beans, make sure to soak them overnight before cooking them.

Can I customize this recipe with other types of beans?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different types of beans in this recipe! Some options include kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or even cannellini beans. Just keep in mind that each type of bean will change the flavor profile slightly, so you may need to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This 3 bean soup recipe is vegetarian-friendly and makes a great option for those following a plant-based diet. Just be sure to check the ingredient labels on your canned tomatoes and broth to ensure they’re free from animal products.

How long does this soup keep in the fridge?

This soup will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily modify this recipe to be gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and avoiding any added thickeners like flour or cornstarch.

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