Hello there, foodies!
If you’re anything like me and can’t get enough of the delicious dishes, this world has to offer.
(Well, today is your lucky day)
Because I’m here to share my latest obsession with you, Bean soup!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Bean soup? How exciting can that be?” Well, let me tell you, it’s a flavor-packed adventure that you don’t want to miss out on.
From the earthy taste of the beans to the savory broth, every spoonful is a burst of pure satisfaction.
As someone who’s always on the lookout for healthy meal options to help me lose weight, I’ve discovered that beans and legumes are a game-changer.
They’re filling, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. And when you turn them into a delicious soup. (it’s a win-win situation)
So, in this article, I’m excited to take you on a journey where we’ll explore the wonders of bean soup.
We’ll delve into the reasons why beans are a fantastic substitute for rice.
Discover the secrets of creating a mouth-watering bowl of soup for two, and explore fun customization options that will make your taste buds dance.
Get ready to cozy up with a hot bowl of bean soup and let’s dive into the exciting world of legumes together.
(You won’t regret it!)
Table of Contents
begin by Gathering the ingredients needed
Personally, I can’t get enough of the delicious dishes this world has to offer, and this homemade bean soup is no exception!
If you’re looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal to add to your weekly meal prep routine, this soup is an excellent choice.
(Don’t be intimidated, creating this soup is simpler than you think)
To make a mouth-watering bean soup for two, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Beans
Choose your favorite variety of dried beans, whether it’s kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, or any other type.
Opt for about 1 cup of dried beans and rinse them thoroughly before using.
Broth
Use vegetable or chicken broth as the base for your soup. You’ll need approximately 4 cups of broth for a rich and flavorful result.
Adjust the amount of broth according to your preference.
Aromatics
Elevate the taste of your bean soup by adding aromatic ingredients like diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery.
Aim for about 1 small onion, 2 garlic cloves, and 2 celery stalks.
Vegetables
Add depth and texture to your soup by incorporating vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Use about 1 large carrot, 1 bell pepper, and 2 medium-sized tomatoes, all diced.
Seasonings
Spice up your soup with herbs and spices like bay leaves, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
Optional Protein
For a heartier soup, consider adding protein to the mix, like diced cooked chicken, sausage, or even tofu. Approximately ½ cup of protein should be enough.
Garnishes
Finish off your soup with a touch of class by adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of sour cream.
Start cooking your bean soup for two
Follow these easy steps on how to prepare this delicious meal:
- Soak the Beans: Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
This process softens the beans and reduces the cooking time. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté them for a few minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Beans: Add the soaked and rinsed beans to the pot with the sautéed aromatics.
Pour in the broth, ensuring it covers the beans by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover the pot and let it cook for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Once the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, add the diced carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and your selected seasonings.
Stir well to combine. Continue simmering the soup for another 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Optional Protein Addition: If you’ve chosen to add an additional protein like diced cooked chicken or sausage, this is the time to add it to the soup.
Allow it to warm through for a few minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to suit your taste.
And there you have it! A delicious and hearty bean soup that’s sure to impress.
Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of sour cream to take it to the next level.
These simple additions can bring new dimensions of flavor and texture to your soup.
Plus, if you’re looking to make your weekly meal prep routine healthier, these garnishes can be a great way to add some extra nutrients without sacrificing taste.
(Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to enjoy a big bowl of this soup and maybe even second helpings!)
Variations and Customizations That you should try
Now that you’ve mastered the basic bean soup recipe, let’s kick things up a notch and dive into some exciting variations and customizations.
Buckle up and get ready for a flavor-packed ride!
- Explore Different Types of Beans: Let’s break free from the usual suspects of kidney beans and black beans and venture into the vast and diverse world of beans.
Try out cannellini beans, navy beans, pinto beans, or lentils to add a unique texture and flavor to your soup.
- Add Protein Options for a Heartier Soup: If you’re in the mood for a more filling and satisfying meal, consider adding extra protein to your bean soup.
Diced cooked chicken, smoky sausage, savory bacon, or cubed tofu are all fantastic options to infuse rich flavors into your soup.
- Incorporate Various Vegetables and Herbs for Flavor: (Why stick to the same old onion, garlic, and celery combo when there’s a colorful array of veggies waiting to be explored?)
Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet potatoes add a unique texture and taste to your soup.
Plus, adding leafy greens like spinach or kale during the final minutes of cooking gives your soup a fresh and healthy boost.
(Don’t forget about herbs and spices!) Sprinkle in a pinch of paprika or cumin for an added kick or a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy aroma.
My personal favorite is adding diced bell peppers and zucchini to my soup.
The vibrant colors and crunch make each spoonful a joyous and flavorful experience.
There you have it, soup lovers!
With these endless variations and customizations, your bean soup game just got stronger.
It’s an ideal recipe to prepare for bodybuilders or gym enthusiasts looking to add protein-packed and nutritious meals to their diet.
Why Legumes/Beans are a Great Substitute for the Usual Rice and Meal Combo?
(Move over rice, there’s a new mealtime star in town!)
I’m here to let you in on a little secret, legumes and beans are the ultimate substitutes for the usual rice and meal combo.
(Don’t believe me? Let me break it down for you!)
- Nutritional Powerhouse: These little guys are packed with all the good stuff your body craves.
(I’m talking plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals galore!)
Unlike rice, which can leave you feeling hungry soon after, legumes and beans offer a well-rounded nutritional profile that keeps you satisfied and energized.
Moreover, legumes and beans are an excellent choice for individuals who adhere to a plant-based or vegetarian meal plan.
- Diverse Flavor Profiles: (Get ready to have your taste buds blown away!)
Legumes and beans come in a variety of flavors, textures, and colors that add excitement and depth to any dish.
Think creamy chickpeas, earthy lentils, and buttery lima beans. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors can take your meal from good to great in no time.
- Budget-Friendly: Who doesn’t love a good deal? Legumes and beans are a cost-effective way to get all the nutrition when cooking without breaking the bank.
Dried beans and lentils are pantry staples that can be bought in bulk and used in multiple dishes.
Plus, they’re versatile and can be added to soups, stews, salads, and more.
So there you have it, folks – three fantastic reasons why legumes and beans should be on your plate tonight.
Embrace the power of legumes and beans and get creative in the kitchen.
Well done, my fellow foodies! You’ve reached the end of our delicious journey through the world of bean soup, and what a journey it was!
You’ve explored the many reasons why legumes and beans make a fantastic substitute for the usual rice and meal combo.
You’ve learned about the essential ingredients, preparation steps, and discovered exciting variations and customizations to suit our taste preferences.
Now, as you indulge in the rich aroma and taste of your warm bowl of bean soup, let’s take a moment to appreciate the many benefits it brings to the table.
Beans and legumes are packed with nutrients, and their taste can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
This makes them an excellent choice for individuals who are just beginning their meal prep journey.
From creamy chickpeas to earthy lentils and buttery lima beans, the possibilities are endless.
And let’s not forget, bean soup is a canvas for your culinary creativity!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beans, proteins, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
The combinations are endless, and your taste buds will thank you for it!
So, my friends, as you end this culinary escapade.
I encourage you to keep experimenting, keep creating, and keep delighting in the magic of homemade bean soup.
Bon appétit!
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FAQ
How many cups is a serving of bean soup?
The serving size of bean soup can vary depending on factors such as personal preference and the recipe being used.
In general, standard serving size of bean soup is around 1 to 1.5 cups. This means that a single recipe of bean soup that yields 4 servings will typically require 4 to 6 cups of soup.
How much soup beans per person?
The amount of soup beans per person can also vary based on individual needs and preferences.
As a general rule of thumb, a serving size of cooked beans is around 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup. For a main course soup, a serving size may be larger, around 1 to 1.5 cups.
This means that for a recipe that yields 4 servings, you may need between 2 and 6 cups of cooked beans, depending on the desired serving size.
How many beans for 4 servings?
The number of beans required for 4 servings of bean soup will depend on the recipe being used and the desired serving size.
As a general guide, a recipe that yields 4 servings of soup may require around 1.5 to 2 cups of cooked beans.
However, this can vary widely depending on the recipe, as some soups may have more or fewer beans, and some people may prefer more or less in their soup.
How much does 2 cups of beans make?
If you’re starting with dry beans and cooking them yourself, you may be wondering how much 2 cups of dried beans will yield once cooked.
In general, 1 cup of dried beans will yield around 2 to 3 cups of cooked beans.
This means that 2 cups of dried beans will yield around 4 to 6 cups of cooked beans, depending on the type of beans and how they are cooked.
How many fresh beans per person?
The amount of fresh beans per person can vary depending on the recipe and serving size.
As a general rule of thumb, you may need around 1/2 to 3/4 cups of fresh beans per person.
However, this can vary depending on the recipe and the type of beans being used.
It’s always a good idea to check the recipe or serving size guidelines to ensure that you have enough beans for the desired number of servings.
