Veggie Bean Soup

This post was originally published as Feel Better Veggie Bean Soup by Laurel on Health Food.

I made an all veggie soup last week and it came out pretty good. I wasn’t in love with it (I thought I made it too spicy), but my boyfriend seems to think it’s super yummy, so I figured it was worth a share. I can tell you one thing, this soup is super nutritious and filling. Beans are full of complex carbohydrates and fiber, which means they give you long-term energy and satisfaction. This is also a great soup to make when you’re feeling sick. I was a little under the weather last week after returning from a trip to Florida where one of my friends got married. All these vegetables and fresh broth, coupled with lots of sleep, got me feeling better in no time.

Feel Better Veggie Bean Soup

1 pack of mixed beans (such as 10- or 12-bean soup)
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 carrots, peeled & chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 can tomato puree (reduced sodium)
3 poblano chili peppers, chopped
6 kale leaves, chopped
6 cups vegetable broth (reduced sodium)
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. fresh thyme
Salt & pepper

Soak the beans overnight in the refrigerator. Drain the beans and put them in a big soup pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour. When the beans are done, drain in a colander and set aside.

Heat olive oil in your soup pot over medium-low heat and add the onions, carrots, celery, chili peppers, garlic, thyme, and a little salt and pepper. Allow veggies to cook together for about 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the tomatoes, kale, bay leaves, and tomato puree and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Puree about half of the beans in a food processor and then add them to your vegetables in the soup pot with the rest of the whole beans. Pour the vegetable broth on top and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Remove bay leaves and season with more salt and pepper to taste.

Tip 1: Try a dollup of organic sour cream on top or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to boost the flavor. Tip 2: For even more flavor, you could make this soup in a slow cooker…in fact I am definitely making it in a slow cooker next time around.