Friday, October 8, 2010

Many Bean Soup

Even though it's 85 degrees here today, I am still assuming that autumn really is coming eventually, and so in good faith I thought I'd share with you one of our favorite soup recipes.  If you like to collect dried beans like I do (each kind is so bright and pretty), you'll love to try this recipe! 
Many Bean Soup

To make this soup you'll need 6 cups of mixed beans... you can simply purchase a bag of mixed beans from the grocery store or you can do what I do and mix your own.  I like to purchase bags of dried beans in bulk (usually packaged in 30# bags), then mix my own.  There really is no science, as far as I'm concerned, to mixing your own beans.  I simply use a larger quantity of the beans that we really like (pinto and black beans) and fewer of the ones that I don't like as much (baby lima!).  This recipe is very forgiving, honestly!

6 cups of mixed beans
3 46-oz.cans of tomato juice
3 cups sliced carrots
3 stalks celery, sliced
2 onions, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic powder (or for even better flavor, use fresh minced garlic)
1 Tbsp. vegetable soup base (this is good, but not necessary)

 
Cook the 6 cups of dried beans, using your favorite method.  I like to use our pressure cooker~ 25 minutes on the second red ring with a "natural pressure release" will do the trick.  

Meanwhile, peel and slice your carrots. chop the onions and celery and start them simmering in the tomato juice. 

I must admit that I like to use more carrots than most recipes call for~ I do love cooked carrots in soup.

Simmer until the veggies are tender, then add the cooked beans (that you've drained and rinsed).

Serve with fresh whole wheat bread and salad~ yummy!

Now if we could just get some 60 degree weather to go with that soup.....

Enjoying autumn anyway,  ; )

2 comments:

  1. Yummy! I am planning to make your chicken chili this weekend...and we are having cooler temps! :) Wow...85??

    Thanks for sharing this recipe too Susan...I *love* soups.

    Blessings to you my friend!
    Camille

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  2. This recipe looks nice and easy and very friendly...goodness, I've got what seems like a virtual boatload of dried beans in my cupboard ;) :) :) This looks good...Okay...I'll be praying for the cooler temps to compliment the soup :) :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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