Illiria Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup featuring navy beans, vegetables, and a savory broth, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil until translucent.
- Add remaining ingredients—chicken broth, water, navy beans, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with juice, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. If navy beans are unavailable, Great Northern beans can be a suitable substitute. To enhance the dish, toss in some chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking. Ensure to sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Skillet Chicken And Peaches for a delightful dinner. For a comforting touch, top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Illiria Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Illiria Bean Soup contains roughly 939 calories, with 17g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (260% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2172mg per serving (94% 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
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Illiria Bean Soup vegetarian by replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting any meat. This will still yield a flavorful and hearty soup, perfect for a meatless meal.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your soup is too watery, you can thicken it by mashing a portion of the beans with a fork or blending a cup of the soup in a blender and returning it to the pot. This will give it a creamier texture without losing the bean flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, Illiria Bean Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove until heated through.
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).