Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup (Printable version)

Comforting soup packed with tender vegetables, hearty beans, and aromatic herbs

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 zucchini, diced
09 - 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

→ Beans and Broth

10 - 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 6 cups vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
13 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice

→ Spices and Seasonings

14 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Optional Garnish

19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
20 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
02 - Stir in diced potatoes, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent garlic from burning.
03 - Add diced zucchini, both cans of drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until potatoes and vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
05 - Stir in chopped kale or spinach and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until greens are wilted and incorporated into the soup.
06 - Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired for brightness.
07 - Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything simmers in one pot, leaving you with almost zero cleanup and a kitchen that smells incredible
  • The combination of beans and vegetables keeps you satisfied for hours without weighing you down
02 -
  • The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator
  • If it seems too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water when reheating
03 -
  • If you have a Parmesan rind, toss it in while simmering for incredible umami depth just remember to remove it before serving
  • Mashing a few beans against the side of the pot creates a creamier texture without any cream

Return