Mediterranean Bean Soup Recipe – Looking for a nourishing and healthy meal that is quick and easy to make? Look no further than this simple and delicious Mediterranean bean soup recipe! Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, this gluten-free and vegetarian soup is perfect for any day of the week. Get ready to warm your soul with this hearty and comforting bean soup that brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table in just a few simple steps. Enjoy!
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Ingredients list for the Mediterranean Bean Soup
- 1 cup frozen or fresh chopped green beans
- 3 15-ounce canned white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 28-oz. can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, for serving
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
What is Mediterranean bean soup?
A Mediterranean bean soup is a hearty and flavorful soup traditionally you can make with a variety of beans, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, resulting in a rich and delicious broth. Here we use a combo of white beans, green beans, celery, carrot, tomatoes, onion, garlic, thyme, and oregano. You can serve the bean soup as a main course just like in many Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain – with a slice of toasted country bread. It is a nutritious and easy-to-make comfort food you can customize with different types of beans and veggies to fit your preferences (or what you have in the fridge)!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients for the Mediterranean bean soup
This bean soup recipe is very simple and straightforward. Here’s a brief overview of the ingredients. Of course, you can customize depending on what you prefer or what you have at hand.
- Green beans: These provide a source of plant-based protein and add a vibrant green color to the soup. You’ll love the slight crunch and texture they bring to the soup.
- White beans: These are the main source of protein in this soup recipe and also add a creamy texture. They are full of good-for-you nutrients: high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine that adds a rich flavor to the bean soup when sauteeing the vegetables.
- Onion: This aromatic adds depth of flavor to the soup and serves as a base for the broth.
- Garlic: Who doesn’t love garlic? Another staple in Mediterranean cooking, garlic adds a bold flavor to the soup.
- Carrots: These add sweetness and subtle earthy flavor to the soup. They are also a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber.
- Celery: Celery adds a slight crunch and refreshing flavor to this vegetarian soup.
- Tomatoes: They add a tangy and sweet flavor to the bean soup and are a key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: This serves as the base of the soup and provides a rich, flavorful liquid. Using a low-sodium broth helps keep the dish heart-healthy.
- Dried thyme and oregano: These herbs add a Mediterranean flair to the soup and provide a balance of earthy and floral flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: These add flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish. Go easy on salt because teh vegetable broth is already salty (even if it’s low-sodium).
- Fresh parsley: Parsley adds freshness and brightness to the bean soup.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Use parmesan as a topping for a nutty and savory flavor.
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the Mediterranean bean soup: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until translucent about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring from time to time.
3. Add the vegetable broth white beans and green beans, and bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer the bean soup for 15 minutes to combine all of the flavors together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Remove the Mediterranean bean soup from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese, and serve immediately. Enjoy! ❤️
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
How to store Mediterranean bean soup
Mediterranean bean soup is perfect for meal prep because the flavors just get better as the soup stays in the refrigerator! Divide the bean soup up into single servings just after cooking to allow it to cool faster, then store it in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing: transfer the chilled Mediterranean bean soup to your freezer and store it for about three months. Reheat the bean soup in your microwave or in a large pot over medium-low – add more water or vegetable broth if needed.
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Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com