Rainbow Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful rainbow bean soup packed with vegetables, herbs, and dried beans. Perfect for a comforting, nutritious meal that appeals to all tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried beans overnight; drain and put into a soup pot with crushed garlic and water or stock.
- Bring to a boil; then simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add diced carrots; simmer for an additional hour.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chopped onions, diced green pepper, dried parsley, lime juice, and chili powder.
- Cook for 30 minutes.
- Stir in chopped fresh cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful soup, try sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the pot. You can substitute the mixed dried beans with any single variety if that's what you have on hand. For a spicier kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or some cayenne pepper. Adjust the lime juice based on personal taste—more for tanginess, less for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rainbow Bean Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Cherry Delight for a refreshing dessert afterward. Garnish each bowl with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness. This soup also works great as a hearty filling for burritos or served over rice for a filling lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Rainbow Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they're heated evenly. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit of water or stock to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rainbow Bean Soup contains roughly 355 calories, with 13g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (112% of the Daily Value), and iron (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Simply rinse and drain them, then add them to the soup after the initial simmering step, cooking for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. This will significantly reduce the cooking time, making it a quicker meal option.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Rainbow Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors deepen over time. Make a large batch and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be mindful of the consistency, as you may need to add a little liquid when reheating.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat to your Rainbow Bean Soup, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper during cooking. For a smoky flavor, you can also include some smoked paprika. Adjust the spices gradually to reach your desired spice level without overpowering the dish.
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).