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Kidney Bean Soup Recipe

/ Soups & Salads / By

Kidney bean soup delivers satisfying comfort through creamy beans, aromatic vegetables, and rich broth creating nourishing meal perfect for cold weather. This versatile recipe works beautifully as vegetarian main course or enhanced with ham for traditional hearty version. The key to exceptional kidney bean soup lies in proper bean preparation, building flavorful base through layered aromatics, and achieving ideal consistency that’s neither too thin nor overly thick.

How to Make Kidney Bean Soup

how to make kidney bean soup

Essential Ingredients

For Kidney Bean Soup (Serves 6-8):

  • 1 lb dried red kidney beans (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Optional Ham Addition:

  • 1 lb ham hock or 2 cups diced ham
  • 1 smoked turkey leg (alternative)

For Serving:

  • Crusty bread
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Fresh herbs

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

kidney bean soup steps

Bean preparation (if using dried beans):

  1. Sort through dried beans removing any debris or damaged beans
  2. Rinse thoroughly under cold water
  3. Soak overnight in large bowl covered with water by 2 inches
  4. Alternatively, quick-soak by boiling 2 minutes then soaking 1 hour
  5. Drain and rinse before using in soup

Soup cooking process (1.5-2 hours for dried beans, 45 minutes for canned):

  1. Heat olive oil in large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat
  2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery (mirepoix)
  3. Sauté 8-10 minutes until vegetables soften and onion becomes translucent
  4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant
  5. Stir in thyme, paprika, and cumin, cooking 30 seconds to bloom spices
  6. Add tomato paste and cook 2 minutes stirring frequently
  7. Pour in drained beans, broth, water, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf
  8. If using ham hock, add now for maximum flavor infusion
  9. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to gentle simmer
  10. Cover and cook 1.5-2 hours for dried beans (30 minutes for canned)
  11. Beans should be completely tender and creamy
  12. Remove ham hock if used, shred meat, and return to pot
  13. Partially mash some beans with potato masher creating creamy consistency
  14. Season with salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar
  15. Stir in fresh parsley before serving
  16. Adjust consistency with additional broth or water if needed

Slow Cooker and Pressure Cooker Methods

Slow cooker adaptation: Combine all ingredients cooking on low 8-10 hours or high 4-6 hours for hands-off preparation.

Instant Pot method: Pressure cook soaked beans 25 minutes or unsoaked 40 minutes with natural release.

Time savings: Pressure cooking dramatically reduces cooking time without sacrificing flavor development.

Texture differences: Slow cooker creates very soft beans while pressure cooker maintains slightly firmer texture.

Budget-Friendly Meal Planning

Cost efficiency: Dried beans cost pennies per serving making economical protein source for families.

Stretching portions: Add extra vegetables or rice extending servings without significantly increasing cost.

Leftover creativity: Transform extra soup into bean dip, burrito filling, or casserole base.

Pantry staples: Uses shelf-stable ingredients allowing cooking when fresh groceries are limited.

Conclusion

Kidney bean soup combines humble ingredients into nourishing, satisfying meal that warms body and soul. Whether preparing traditional ham version or vegetarian alternative, success depends on properly cooked beans, well-developed flavor base, and ideal consistency balancing creamy and chunky textures. This economical, nutritious soup rewards minimal effort with maximum comfort while providing excellent make-ahead option for busy schedules. Master this versatile recipe to add reliable comfort food staple that feeds families affordably while delivering authentic home-cooked satisfaction.

Jennifer Glover
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