Beans are an incredibly versatile ingredient, offering a trifecta of advantages: they’re affordable, filling, and nutritionally rich. Their adaptability makes them an ideal addition to soups, and their impressive health benefits only add to their appeal.
Not only do beans provide a significant source of protein, but they’re also an excellent source of folate, making them a valuable component of a balanced diet.
Incorporating beans into your soup recipes can elevate the overall experience, providing a more satisfying and nutritious meal.
In this article, we’ll delve into 18 different types of beans, exploring the various recipe options available for each. So, let’s dive in!
Baby Lima Bean Soup
With each spoonful of this baby lima bean soup, the harmony of flavors unfolds as pancetta and fresh vegetables meld together in perfect balance. The addition of celery, carrots, onions, and baby lima beans creates a rich tapestry of textures and tastes. As the simmered broth reduces and thickens with the help of tomato sauce, chicken broth, and water, the soup transforms into a satisfyingly hearty and delectable treat.
Pinto Bean Soup
This delectable piano bean soup boasts a rich, creamy texture and satisfying thickness. With just a few essential pantry items, you can easily prepare this mouthwatering dish without needing to venture out to the store. One of its greatest advantages is the convenience it offers: simply use canned beans to skip the soaking process altogether. The combination of flavorful ingredients and spices elevates this recipe to a regular favorite on any dinner menu.
Yellow Split Pea Soup
Transforming a classic into something extraordinary, this vegan recipe elevates the humble split pea soup to new heights. By combining plant-based protein with smoky flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to get your taste buds buzzing. With its creamy texture and sweet-savory flavor profile, it’s hard to resist the allure of this delightful concoction. And the best part? Yellow split peas don’t require soaking – just an hour on the stove is all they need to become tender and silky smooth.
Experience the magic for yourself by clicking ‘Go To Recipe’.
Black Eyed Pea Soup
Indulge in a nutritious and flavorful soup that’s bursting with plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals. This easy-to-prepare recipe features a medley of wholesome ingredients such as carrots, fresh parsley, garlic, spices, tomatoes, leafy greens, onion, and black-eyed peas. With its delightful combination of textures and tastes, this hearty soup will keep you cozy all afternoon.
Lentil Soup
Elevate your lentil soup game without sacrificing ease! This recipe is designed to impress, whether it’s for a cozy night in or a gathering of friends. The versatility of this dish lies in its ability to adapt to any type of lentil you choose – red, brown, green, or even a pre-mixed blend. Whatever your preference, the result will be a 100% satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to leave everyone asking for more.
A pinch of spice, the subtle warmth of bay leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice bring this soup to life, making it a perfect example of simple yet satisfying cuisine.
Cranberry Bean Soup
Winter’s chill can’t compare to the warmth of a hearty, nourishing meal. Enter cranberry bean soup, a comforting blend of fresh herbs, creamy beans, and seasonal vegetables that will become your go-to comfort food during the coldest months. While simplicity is its greatest virtue, this soup’s fragrance alone is worth the effort – inviting aromas that’ll make your senses come alive. No frills necessary; just pure, unadulterated flavor to savor as you cozy up by the fire.
Chickpea Soup
Indulge in the ultimate winter comfort food – a hearty and nourishing chickpea soup that’s sure to keep you warm, full, and satisfied. This satisfying blend of spices, chickpeas, tomatoes, and potatoes is then smoothly pureed to create a rich and creamy texture that will leave your taste buds wanting more. And with its wholesome ingredients, you can be confident in knowing that every spoonful is not only delicious but also good for you – guaranteed clean bowls all around!
White Bean Soup
Indulge in the simplicity and nutritional benefits of this homemade soup, which can effortlessly be adapted to accommodate dietary preferences. Whether you’re a vegan or seeking a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for any time of year. Its ease of preparation and delectable taste make it perfect for busy nights when cooking from scratch is not feasible.
Pink Bean Soup
Indulge your family in a delightful and nutritious meal by whipping up a flavorful quinoa-based soup. This hearty dish is packed with a variety of greens, grains, and beans, making it an excellent choice for a center-stage meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Quinoa takes center stage as the primary ingredient, providing a boost of protein to keep everyone satisfied.
As you add an array of veggies to the mix, your fussy little ones will devour every bite, reaping the rewards of essential vitamins and minerals.
Mung Bean Soup
In Chinese cuisine, mung bean soup is a popular dessert soup that effortlessly adapts to both sweltering summer days and chilly winter mornings. During the hotter months, you’re likely to find this refreshing brew stocked in street store freezers or freshly prepared at restaurants. The cooling properties of mung soup are renowned for their ability to alleviate bodily heat, making it an excellent choice for warm weather relief.
What’s more, whipping up a pot is surprisingly straightforward, requiring only basic ingredients.
Adzuki Bean Soup
Indulge in a hearty, wholesome mushroom adzuki bean soup that’s bursting with nutrients from an array of vegetables and protein-rich legumes. This comforting meal is not only delicious but also packed with the good stuff – think fiber, vitamins, and minerals galore. At the heart of this recipe lies the humble adzuki bean, a nutritional powerhouse that boasts impressive amounts of protein, fiber, and vitamin B.
These little gems are the perfect addition to any meal, and when combined with the earthy flavor of mushrooms and the subtle sweetness of vegetables, you’ve got yourself a truly satisfying soup experience. And the best part? This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, free from artificial additives or substitutions. Instead, it’s all about simple, clean ingredients that work together in harmony to create a meal that’s as nourishing as it is enjoyable.
Black Bean Soup
Indulge in the unassuming goodness of this recipe, which just so happens to be meat-free! The beauty lies in its versatility – simply choose between a rich chicken or vegetable broth, and you’ll be rewarded with a delectable dish that’s sure to please. The addition of black beans, celery, onion, peppers, and an assortment of spices creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, all within the comfort of a relatively quick cooking time.
This recipe is an ideal solution for large family gatherings or special events where catering to diverse dietary needs is paramount. Your guests will be beguiled by its hearty yet flavorful charm, leaving them eagerly anticipating their next taste.
Red Bean Soup
Soups can be sweet too! In Cantonese cuisine, there’s a unique category of desserts known as tong sui () or sugar water, which includes traditional red bean soup (). This popular dessert is commonly found in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, typically served at the end of a meal. What’s fascinating is that it requires only three simple ingredients: red beans, rock sugar, and dried tangerine peel. The best part? You can enjoy it hot or cold, depending on your preference.
Kidney Bean Soup
As the cold months approach, there’s nothing quite like warming up with a velvety bowl of soup. And this kidney bean soup recipe truly hits the spot. Not only does it satisfy our cravings for something comforting and hearty, but it also packs a nutritional punch thanks to the fiber and protein-rich kidney beans. This makes it an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians looking to boost their intake of these essential nutrients.
The combination of tender kidney beans, pungent cloves, tangy tomato paste, zesty lemon juice, spicy ginger, and fiery chili peppers creates a rich and creamy soup that’s nothing short of addictive. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better-tasting kidney bean dish, we guarantee it! The perfect recipe to cozy up with on a chilly day.
White Bean Soup
Discover the unexpected delight that awaits when you transform ordinary beans into an extraordinary culinary experience. This vegan recipe is not only budget-friendly but also remarkably simple to prepare, requiring just a can of white kidney beans, a few humble vegetables, and two secret ingredients: a splash of white wine and rosemary. The result is a richly flavored, creamy soup that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your senses with its intoxicating aroma. And the best part?
You’ll be rewarded with a warm, nourishing meal in under 20 minutes. Serve this to your family and friends, and get ready for it to vanish in seconds.
Navy Bean Soup With Ham
Transforming leftovers from a ham dinner into a delicious and filling soup is a creative way to stretch your budget. This recipe combines the humble ingredients of dried navy beans with the savory flavors of leftover ham to create a hearty, comforting bowl that can be served for lunch or supper. With its affordable price tag, you can easily feed a crowd without compromising on taste or quality.
For an authentic Southern twist, serve this soup with freshly baked biscuits, cornbread, cornbread muffins, or crusty rolls.
Great Northern Bean Soup
Discover the secret to a quick and satisfying homemade soup that’s packed with flavor! This hearty northern bean soup recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time and a single pot. By combining simple ingredients like canned beans, chicken broth, and ham hock, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously filling meal in no time.
Final Thoughts
Beans are often touted as a superfood, and for good reason. They’re an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and protein, making them a fantastic addition to many dishes. In particular, they add depth and complexity to soups, which is why they’re such a staple in many cuisines. With the incredible variety of beans available, from classic black beans to more exotic options like cranberry or pinto beans, there’s always something new to try.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration to use up those forgotten cans on your pantry shelf or seeking a comforting, warming bowl of goodness for a chilly winter evening, this guide has hopefully provided you with the motivation and ideas you need to get creative.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.