Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup (Printable)

Comforting soup packed with tender vegetables and hearty beans, ideal for wholesome meals.

# What You 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
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

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Add potatoes, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
03 - Stir in zucchini, both types of beans, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.
05 - Add kale or spinach and simmer for another 5 minutes until greens are completely wilted and incorporated.
06 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.
07 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms ordinary vegetables into something that tastes like it simmered all day even though it is ready in under an hour
  • The combination of beans and greens makes it impossibly satisfying without any meat at all
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day so you are basically meal planning while you cook
02 -
  • I once forgot to remove the bay leaf before serving and my husband spent the whole meal fishing it out of his bowl - learn from my mistake and take it out
  • The soup will taste somewhat bland right after you add all the liquid but the flavors concentrate beautifully during the simmer
  • If you are making this ahead wait to add the greens until you reheat it or they will turn an unappealing color
03 -
  • Start with a cold pot and heat the oil gradually - it prevents sticking and gives you better control over the cooking process
  • If you have a Parmesan rind tucked away in your freezer throw it in during simmering for incredible depth of flavor

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