Basic Bean Soup

Basic Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting soup made with tender beans, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried beans (such as navy beans, black beans, kidney beans, or a mix)
• 8 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Beans:

   • If using dried beans, rinse them under cold water and pick out any debris. Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water. Alternatively, you can use the quick-soak method by covering the beans with water in a pot, bringing them to a boil, and then letting them soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.

2. Saute Aromatics:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Saute for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

3. Add Garlic and Herbs:

   • Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Saute for another minute until fragrant.

4. Cook Beans:

   • Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot. Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, partially covered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

5. Season and Serve:

   • Once the beans are tender, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
   • Optionally, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a thicker consistency, or leave it as is for a chunkier texture.
   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the Basic Bean Soup hot as a comforting and nutritious meal. Enjoy it on its own or with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Feel free to customize this Basic Bean Soup recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. You can also add cooked grains like rice or barley for extra heartiness.