Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup (Print Version)
Nutrient-packed soup with tender vegetables and hearty beans, perfect for chilly days or wholesome family meals.
# 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 Additions
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
20 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
# Steps:
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 onions turn translucent.
02 - Stir in diced potatoes, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until garlic becomes fragrant.
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 black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover pot with lid and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes and vegetables are fork-tender.
05 - Stir in chopped kale or spinach. Continue simmering uncovered for 5 minutes until greens are wilted and fully incorporated into the soup.
06 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Taste soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
07 - Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It transforms whatever vegetables are languishing in your fridge into something cohesive and comforting
- The combination of two bean varieties makes each spoonful feel substantial without requiring hours of prep
02 -
- The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop
- Smoked paprika is the subtle secret ingredient that elevates this from basic to memorable
03 -
- If you have a Parmesan rind, add it during simmering for incredible depth (remove before serving)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth that builds slowly as you eat