8 Bean Soup Recipe Vegetarian: Easy, Hearty & Delicious

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Nothing beats a hearty, nourishing bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this 8 bean soup recipe vegetarian is just the ticket. Packed with a variety of beans, fresh vegetables, and warming spices, this soup is a delicious and comforting way to fuel your body.

Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this soup is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of textures and flavors—from tender beans to aromatic herbs—creates a meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful.

Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a protein-packed dinner without any meat. Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 8 bean soup is a perfect blend of health, flavor, and convenience. Firstly, it’s incredibly nutrient-dense, offering a variety of beans that provide fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.

The soup is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it ideal for those following plant-based diets. It’s also versatile—you can tailor the spice level and add your favorite veggies.

The recipe is designed to be straightforward, requiring minimal preparation and common kitchen equipment. It’s freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or save for busy days.

Finally, this soup has a rich, savory taste that will satisfy even the most dedicated meat-eaters. If you love dishes like my Bread And Gravy Recipe or want to explore more comforting meals, this soup is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black beans
  • 1 cup dried kidney beans
  • 1 cup dried navy beans
  • 1 cup dried pinto beans
  • 1 cup dried garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
  • 1 cup dried great northern beans
  • 1 cup dried cranberry beans
  • 1 cup dried lima beans
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 large tomato, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl for soaking beans
  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Colander to rinse beans

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans: Rinse all eight types of dried beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with at least 3 inches of water. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This softens the beans and reduces cooking time.
  2. Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them well with fresh water. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the diced tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Add beans and broth: Pour the soaked beans into the pot and add the vegetable broth along with the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine.
  6. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until all beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.
  7. Season to taste: Remove the bay leaf, then add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust any other seasonings as desired.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. This soup is best enjoyed warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips & Variations

Soaking beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method: bring the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and soak for 1 hour.

For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

If you like a smoky depth, adding a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika enhances flavor beautifully. This soup also freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Check out my Boots And Sonny’S Chili Recipe for another protein-rich vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1.5 cups)
Calories 280
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 15g
Fat 3.5g
Iron 4.5mg (25% DV)
Calcium 90mg (9% DV)
Vitamin A 1500 IU (30% DV)

Note: Nutritional values vary depending on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a side of garlic toast. For a fuller meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Roasted vegetables or a grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice complement the flavors and add satisfying textures.

If you want to add a bit of richness, a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream (dairy or plant-based) on top works beautifully. For a festive touch, sprinkle some grated cheese or nutritional yeast before serving.

Looking for more hearty vegetarian dishes? Try my Bread Machine Yeast Free Recipes for delicious homemade bread ideas perfect for dipping.

Conclusion

This 8 bean soup recipe vegetarian is an all-star in any kitchen. With its medley of beans, fresh veggies, and warming spices, it delivers a robust and comforting meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but hearty and flavorful enough to impress guests. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and offers great leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring meatless meals, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy plant-based protein and fiber-rich ingredients in a satisfying bowl. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite spices or veggies to make it your own.

For more inspiration, check out my Breakfast Wellington Recipe or the comforting Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy every spoonful!

📖 Recipe Card: 8 Bean Soup Recipe Vegetarian

Description: A hearty and nutritious vegetarian soup featuring a blend of eight different beans. Perfect for a comforting meal packed with protein and fiber.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H50M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry black beans
  • 1 cup dry kidney beans
  • 1 cup dry navy beans
  • 1 cup dry pinto beans
  • 1 cup dry garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
  • 1 cup dry lima beans
  • 1 cup dry great northern beans
  • 1 cup dry cranberry beans
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Soak all beans overnight in plenty of water.
  2. Drain and rinse the beans.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  4. Add onion, garlic, and carrots; sauté until softened.
  5. Add soaked beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, and cumin.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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