Italian Bean Soup is a delicious and hearty soup that combines a variety of mixed beans with Italian flavors. This comforting soup pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a fresh salad, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal. You can easily find a bean soup mixture in the dried bean section of most supermarkets, which provides a convenient and flavorful blend of beans for this recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (455 g) dried mixed beans
- 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
- 3 cups (700 ml) water
- 4 slices low-sodium bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons (12 g) Italian seasoning
- 1 can (28 ounces, or 785 g) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
PREPARATION:
- Cook the mixed beans according to the package directions until they are almost done. Drain.
- In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beans, chopped onion, water, crumbled bacon, Italian seasoning, and diced tomatoes.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
YIELD:
- 6 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 276 g water; 317 calories (9% from fat, 26% from protein, 66% from carb)
- 21 g protein; 3 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 1 g monounsaturated fat; 1 g polyunsaturated fat
- 54 g carb; 14 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 291 mg phosphorus; 248 mg calcium; 10 mg iron; 74 mg sodium
- 1693 mg potassium; 226 IU vitamin A; 1 mg ATE vitamin E; 15 mg vitamin C; 6 mg cholesterol
Italian Bean Soup is a flavorful and satisfying soup that brings together a medley of mixed beans and classic Italian seasonings. With its rich blend of protein, fiber, and comforting flavors, this soup is a perfect choice for a nourishing and delicious meal.
The star of this soup is the dried mixed beans, which provide a variety of textures and flavors. You can easily find a bean soup mixture in the dried bean section of most supermarkets. This convenient blend typically includes a combination of beans such as kidney beans, navy beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Each type of bean adds its unique characteristics, resulting in a diverse and hearty soup.
Chopped onions, cooked bacon, and Italian seasoning contribute to the robust flavor profile of the soup. The onions add a sweet and savory element, while the bacon provides a smoky note. Italian seasoning, a blend of herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, infuses the soup with aromatic and traditional Italian flavors.
To further enhance the taste, a can of no-salt-added diced tomatoes is added to the soup. The tomatoes add a tangy and slightly acidic component, balancing the richness of the beans and adding depth to the overall flavor profile.
The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together while gently cooking the beans to tender perfection. The long cooking time ensures that the beans become soft and creamy, while also allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.
Italian Bean Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. With its high protein content from the beans and bacon, as well as its substantial fiber content, this soup provides a satisfying and filling meal. It is also a good source of essential minerals like phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.
To enjoy this soup to the fullest, serve it with warm garlic bread and a fresh salad. The garlic bread complements the Italian flavors and adds a crunchy and garlicky element to the meal. A refreshing salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a bright and refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, Italian Bean Soup is a fantastic choice. Its robust flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation make it a winner for any occasion. So, grab a bowl of this flavorful soup and savor the taste of Italy in every spoonful.
