Five Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful five bean soup combining a variety of dried beans with savory herbs and spices, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all five types of dried beans and divide into four equal batches, about 3 3/4 cups each.
- Place the bean batches into separate large pots or a single large container for cooking.
- Add 3 beef bouillon cubes, 3 tablespoons dried chives, 1 teaspoon dried savory, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 bay leaf to each batch.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer the beans until tender, approximately 1 to 2 hours, adding more water as needed.
- Remove bay leaf and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing onions, garlic, or carrots before adding the beans and spices. If you don't have beef bouillon, vegetable bouillon can be a great substitute for a vegetarian version. Adjust the spices to your preference; adding smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor profile of the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Five Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the presentation. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with Spareribs Hawaiian Style for a comforting feast, perfect for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Five Bean Soup contains roughly 894 calories, with 48g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (705% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (308% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1090mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the beef bouillon with vegetable bouillon and ensure that all other ingredients are plant-based. This will create a delicious and hearty vegan version of the Five Bean Soup, perfect for anyone seeking vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).