# Hearty Kidney Bean and Vegetable Soup
## Introduction:
Bring some comfort into your kitchen with this wholesome dish – the hearty kidney bean and vegetable soup. It is a delightful mix of flavors that will brighten up your day, no matter the weather.
## Why Make This Recipe:
This soup is not just flavorful but also incredibly nourishing. Packed with kidney beans, a bounty of veggies, and aromatic herbs, it is a comforting bowl of wholesomeness. It’s easy, quick, and requires just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients.
## How to Make Hearty Kidney Bean and Vegetable Soup
Making this hearty and nutritious soup cannot get any simpler. You start with sautéing onions and garlic in some olive oil, and then add in all the veggies along with kidney beans. Add some aromatic spices and broth to it, let it simmer, and your kidney bean and vegetable soup is ready!
## Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
## Directions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they soften and become translucent.
2. Add the chopped carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini into the pot. Keep stirring and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the veggies start to soften.
3. Mix in the drained kidney beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, after which, lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.
5. Do a taste test and add more seasoning if required. Ladle the soup in a bowl and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
## How to Serve Hearty Kidney Bean and Vegetable Soup:
This hearty soup can be served with some crunchy bread on the side. It is a meal all on its own. However, you could also pair it with a simple salad for a super healthy meal.
## How to Store Hearty Kidney Bean and Vegetable Soup:
The hearty kidney bean and vegetable soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Remember to store in an air-tight container. Before serving, reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until it is warm.
## Tips to Make Hearty Kidney Bean and Vegetable Soup:
– For an additional punch of nutrition, you can add other healthy veggies in the soup such as kale or spinach.
– If you are using canned beans, rinse them properly to remove extra sodium.
– Make sure to chop all the veggies uniformly, so they cook evenly.
## Variation (if any):
For a twist in the original recipe, try adding quinoa or barley into the soup. You could also add protein like chicken or tofu for a non-vegetarian version.
## FAQs:
1. **Can I use other types of beans instead of kidney beans?** Absolutely! Feel free to swap kidney beans with chickpeas, black beans, or pinto beans.
2. **Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?** Yes. Just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook it on low for 7-8 hours.
3. **Can I freeze this soup?** Yes, this soup freezes well. Make sure to cool the soup before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container. It can be frozen for up to two months.