Six Bean Minestrone
A hearty, nutritious bean minestrone brimming with vegetables and savory flavors, perfect for comforting family meals and veggie lovers seeking a filling, healthy soup.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried pinto beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried northern white beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried lima beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried pink beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cooked garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 cups stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups diced potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green peas ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepot, place all dried beans and 12 cups water; let stand overnight.
- Bring beans and water to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours until tender.
- In a skillet, cook 1/2 cup bean liquid, onion, garlic, celery, and parsley for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked bean mixture to the beans with stewed tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, peas, and green beans.
- Simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.
- Add zucchini, cabbage, and enough water to make 7 quarts of soup.
- Cook until zucchini is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the beans. If you're short on time, canned beans can be substituted; just reduce the cooking time. For a twist, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Remember, it's important to soak the dried beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. This dish is quite versatile, so feel free to include any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty minestrone with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a refreshing veggie linguine. This dish is also perfect for meal prep, as the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Six Bean Minestrone contains roughly 392 calories, with 20g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 561mg per serving (24% 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. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup. Reduce the cooking time to about 30-45 minutes, as the canned beans are already cooked. However, using dried beans will provide a richer flavor and texture.
What can I add to make this soup heartier?
To make the soup even heartier, consider adding diced zucchini or leafy greens such as spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also include cooked pasta like small shells or ditalini for a more filling meal. Just remember to adjust the liquid as needed.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This Six Bean Minestrone is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. The variety of beans and vegetables provides a complete protein source, making it a nutritious option for anyone following a vegan diet. It's also a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet.
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).