Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup (Printable version)

Nutrient-packed soup with tender vegetables and hearty beans, perfect for chilly days and wholesome family meals.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add potatoes, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Stir in zucchini, beans, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
05 - Add kale or spinach and simmer for another 5 minutes until greens are wilted.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its incredibly forgiving, you can swap any vegetable or bean based on whats wilting in your fridge
  • The smoked paprika creates this depth that makes people think you simmered it all day
  • Makes enough for dinner tonight plus lunch for three days, which feels like winning
02 -
  • The soup tastes even better the next day when flavors have had time to mingle
  • If it seems too thick, add water or more broth rather than reducing the amount of vegetables
  • Removing the bay leaf before serving is non negotiable unless you want an emergency dentist visit
03 -
  • Use a potato masher to lightly mash some beans directly in the pot for extra creaminess
  • A splash of vinegar or lemon juice right before serving makes all the vegetables taste more vibrant

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