The Ultimate Vegan Bean Soup Recipe: Hearty, Flavorful, and Easy

Vegan bean soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a satisfying and healthy meal. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking with your favorite vegetables and spices.

What Makes This Vegan Bean Soup So Special?

This isn’t your average bean soup. This recipe uses a blend of different beans for a more complex flavor and texture. We’re also adding a secret ingredient to enhance the umami and depth of flavor – miso paste! Don’t worry; you won’t even know it’s there, but your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup white miso paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

   Sauteed Vegetables for Vegan Bean Soup

2. Add the aromatics: Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

3. Pour in the broth: Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer for rich flavor: Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Blend in the miso paste: In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste with a little bit of the hot soup until smooth. Pour the miso mixture into the pot and stir to combine.

   Whisking Miso Paste for Vegan Bean Soup

6. Season to perfection: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for the Best Vegan Bean Soup:

• For a thicker soup: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a potato masher or fork.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you love, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
• Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of heat.
• Garnish generously: Top each bowl with fresh parsley, a dollop of vegan sour cream, or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.

“The beauty of this vegan bean soup is its versatility,” says Sarah Thompson, a renowned vegan chef and cookbook author. “You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences and what you have on hand.”

FAQs About Vegan Bean Soup:

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simply sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this vegan bean soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with vegan bean soup?

This soup pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other beans like chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even lentils.

This vegan bean soup recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect combination of hearty, flavorful, and easy, making it ideal for any night of the week. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy vegan recipes, check out our collection of instant pot vegan recipes and easy vegan weeknight dinners.

For another hearty and comforting soup recipe, give our vegan bean soup crock pot version a try. You won’t be disappointed!