Mama's Bean Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, Mama's Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This wholesome recipe combines a medley of dried beans with a savory base of sautéed carrots, celery, and onions, simmered low and slow in a rich vegetable broth infused with garlic, thyme, and paprika. The addition of diced tomatoes and fragrant bay leaves adds depth to every spoonful, while fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness at the finish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead, this protein-packed soup is both nutritious and satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a cozy, homemade meal that's as heartwarming as it is delicious. Whether you're looking for a vegan-friendly dinner or a make-ahead meal for the week, Mama's Bean Soup is a timeless recipe the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried mixed beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Sort through the dried beans to remove any debris or damaged beans, then rinse thoroughly under cold water.

Step 2

Place the beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak them overnight, or for at least 8 hours, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the drained beans. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, bay leaves, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

Step 8

Remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3286.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2805.6

Total Fat 51.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7943.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 461.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 107.7g	0%
Total Sugars 67.7g
Protein 138.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 919.1mg	0%
Iron 36.8mg	0%
Potassium 11212.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.3%

Protein: 19.3%

Carbs: 64.5%