Eleven Bean Soup Recipe for Hearty and Healthy Meals

Eleven bean soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. This classic recipe combines a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices to create a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week, eleven bean soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. The blend of beans provides a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to customize the vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to making soups from scratch, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. In just a few hours, you’ll have a pot full of rich, flavorful soup that tastes even better the next day.

Dive into this recipe and discover why eleven bean soup has stood the test of time as a beloved comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eleven bean soup offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that make it stand out from your usual soup recipes. The variety of beans creates a complex and satisfying bite with every spoonful.

It’s a budget-friendly meal that stretches well, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. The slow-cooked nature of the soup allows the spices and vegetables to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, hearty broth.

This recipe is also incredibly flexible. You can easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences—add smoked sausage or ham for a meaty twist, or keep it completely vegan.

High in protein and fiber, it supports digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, with the use of dried beans, it’s easy to prepare in advance and store for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black beans
• 1 cup dried kidney beans
• 1 cup dried navy beans
• 1 cup dried pinto beans
• 1 cup dried great northern beans
• 1 cup dried garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• 1 cup dried small white beans
• 1 cup dried cranberry beans
• 1 cup dried lima beans
• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 8 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 bay leaves

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for draining beans)
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Sort and soak the beans. Rinse all the dried beans thoroughly under cold water. Remove any debris or damaged beans. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with at least 3 inches of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften.
2. Drain and rinse beans. After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
3. Prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. This combination forms the flavorful base of the soup.
4. Sauté the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven 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.
5. Add beans, liquids, and seasonings. Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the vegetable broth (or water), diced tomatoes with their juice, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
6. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the liquid level, adding more broth or water if needed.
7. Check bean tenderness and season. After about 1.5 hours, test a few beans for tenderness. The beans should be soft but not mushy. Add salt to taste, stir well, and continue cooking if necessary until beans reach desired softness.
8. Final touches and serve. Remove the bay leaves from the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot and stir. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips & Variations

“Soaking the beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but also improves digestibility, making this soup easier on your stomach.”

Make it smoky: Add a smoked ham hock or a few slices of bacon during the simmering process for a rich, smoky flavor.

Vegetarian or vegan: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions for a plant-based version that’s just as hearty.

Spice it up: Include cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for an extra kick.

Use a slow cooker: After the initial sauté, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Bean substitutions: Feel free to swap out any beans you don’t have on hand with favorites like cannellini or mung beans.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Eleven bean soup pairs beautifully with rustic, crusty bread or warm cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. A side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the heartiness of the soup, adding a fresh contrast.

For a more filling meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a baked potato.

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Conclusion

Eleven bean soup is a timeless recipe that combines nutrition, flavor, and comfort in one pot. Its rich variety of beans offers a wonderful texture, while the aromatic vegetables and spices create a broth that’s deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, a crowd, or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a fantastic choice that’s both economical and nourishing.

With its easy preparation and flexible ingredients, eleven bean soup can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy this warm, wholesome dish on chilly days or anytime you crave a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Don’t forget to check out other hearty recipes like Hearty Lentil Stew, Classic Minestrone Soup, and Vegetable Chili to expand your comforting meal repertoire.

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