The Best Homemade Bean Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade bean soup is perfect for cozy nights, packed with flavor and easy to whip up. It’s super customizable, so you can make it your own with whatever ingredients you love. Plus, it’s hearty and filling, making it a great meal for the whole family. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand. You’ll love how it warms you up from the inside out!
Recipe
Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this homemade bean soup recipe is a comforting dish perfect for any season. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried beans (such as navy, pinto, or kidney), soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the beans, broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf. If using, add spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes:
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a spoon.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
This homemade bean soup is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and hearty meal. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade bean soup with warm, crusty bread—it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of broth. A fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy dressing adds a bright contrast to the hearty flavors of the soup. These combinations make the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Crusty Bread Pairings
Nothing beats dipping a slice of crusty bread into a steaming bowl of homemade bean soup—it’s the perfect way to soak up every last bit of flavor. When it comes to bread varieties, I love using sourdough or French baguettes for their firm texture and tangy notes. Baking techniques matter too—I always toast the bread lightly to enhance its crunch without making it too hard. Sometimes, I’ll brush it with olive oil before toasting for extra richness. It’s simple, but trust me, it elevates the whole meal. Pairing the right bread with bean soup turns comfort food into something unforgettable.
Fresh Salad Options
Though bean soup is hearty on its own, adding a fresh salad can bring balance to the meal, making it light and vibrant. I love creating a simple salad with mixed greens as the base—it’s invigorating and pairs perfectly with soup. I’ll toss in seasonal toppings like cherry tomatoes in summer, roasted squash in fall, or crisp apples in winter. A tangy vinaigrette or creamy avocado dressing adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s a quick way to add color and texture to the meal, and it keeps things interesting. Trust me, this combo’s a winner every time!
