Marion'S Bean Soup
A hearty and nutritious bean soup featuring navy, red, and garbanzo beans simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for comforting family meals or healthy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort and wash the dried navy, red, and garbanzo beans.
- Put the beans in a large pot and cover with water.
- Let the beans soak for 8 hours, then drain.
- Add chicken broth, chopped onions, carrots, celery, minced garlic, parsley flakes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Stir in chopped spinach before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a dash of smoked paprika while the soup simmers. If you don't have dried navy, red, or garbanzo beans, you can substitute with canned beans. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly. Fresh herbs can also be used instead of dried; use three times the amount for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Marion's Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Carrot Top Chicken for a heartier spread. You can also garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help restore its consistency, and heat on the stove over medium until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marion'S Bean Soup contains roughly 387 calories, with 15g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (179% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value), and calcium (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1694mg per serving (74% 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 use different types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can mix and match beans based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Just ensure that the total amount of beans remains the same for proper cooking times. Black beans or pinto beans can be good alternatives.
Is it necessary to soak the beans before cooking?
Soaking the beans is recommended as it helps to reduce cooking time and makes them easier to digest. If you're short on time, you can use the quick-soak method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit covered for 1 hour before draining and cooking.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and increase the seasoning to enhance the flavor. You could also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and taste.
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).