Looking for a healthy yet delicious meal to warm you up during the colder months? Look no further than 1 Serving Five Bean Soup! At just 180 calories per serving, this soup is packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

But it's not just the low calorie count that makes this soup a winner. With five different types of beans - kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, navy beans, and pinto beans - this soup is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wide range of vitamins and minerals to support your overall health and well-being.

In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about making, storing, and enjoying 1 serving of five bean soup, as well as some tips and tricks for customization and variation. So grab your ladle and let's get cooking!

Get to know the five different kinds of beans in the soup

Each type of bean in the soup offers unique health benefits, making this dish a great way to add variety and nutrition to your diet. Kidney beans, for instance, are packed with protein and fiber, while chickpeas are rich in folate and iron. Black beans are a great source of antioxidants, navy beans are high in thiamine, and pinto beans offer a good dose of potassium. By combining all five types of beans in this soup, you're getting a wide range of nutrients that can support everything from digestion and bone health to heart health and brain function. Plus, the different textures and flavors of the beans make for a more interesting and satisfying dish.

Discover the health benefits of consuming bean soup

Beyond the benefits of the individual beans, 1 serving five bean soup is also a great source of other key nutrients, such as fiber, protein, and vitamins. The fiber in the soup can help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, while the protein can support muscle growth and repair. The vitamins and minerals in the soup can help boost your immune system, promote healthy hair and skin, and more. Additionally, because bean soup is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-sugar option, it's a great choice for weight management and diabetes prevention. Plus, the high fiber and protein content can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, reducing cravings and the likelihood of overeating.

Learn how to make 1 serving of five bean soup

To make 1 serving of five bean soup, you'll need:

• 1/2 cup of each type of bean (kidney, chickpea, black, navy, and pinto)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• Optional toppings: grated cheese, chopped parsley, sour cream, croutons

To make the soup, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the beans, broth or water, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the soup has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Serve with your preferred toppings and enjoy!

Find out how to store leftover bean soup

If you can't finish your entire serving of five bean soup, don't worry! This soup is easy to store and reheat for later. Simply transfer the leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover soup in single portions for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat the leftover soup, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the soup if it has thickened in the fridge.

Discover the best toppings to complement your bean soup

While 1 serving five bean soup is absolutely delicious on its own, you can also customize the dish with a range of toppings to suit your taste preferences. Some popular options include:

• Grated cheese (cheddar or Parmesan)
• Chopped parsley or cilantro
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Croutons or crackers
• Hot sauce or chili flakes

These toppings can add extra flavor, texture, and nutrition to the soup, making it more satisfying and enjoyable overall.

Explore other variations of bean soup recipes

While 1 serving five bean soup is a great option, there are many other variations of bean soup recipes to explore as well. Some ideas to consider include:

• Minestrone soup with white beans, zucchini, and pasta
• Black bean soup with corn and avocado
• Split pea soup with ham and carrots
• Lentil soup with kale and tomatoes
• Navy bean soup with ham hocks and collard greens

By experimenting with different types of beans, vegetables, and seasonings, you can create a range of bean soup dishes to enjoy all year round.

Try different ways to season your bean soup

While the basic recipe for 1 serving five bean soup is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to switch up the flavors and seasonings to suit your taste. Some popular options include:

• Adding a splash of vinegar for tanginess
• Stirring in some tomato paste or diced tomatoes for sweetness
• Sautéing some diced bacon or sausage for smokiness
• Spicing things up with cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika
• Using different types of broth (chicken, beef, vegetable) for different savory notes

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect flavor combination.

Find out how to make vegan bean soup

If you're following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you may need to make some substitutions in the basic recipe for 1 serving five bean soup. Here are some ideas for how to modify the recipe accordingly:

• Use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth
• Skip any cheese or sour cream toppings
• Use vegan croutons or crackers, or skip them altogether
• Add some nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for extra umami flavor

With these easy swaps, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegan version of 1 serving five bean soup in no time.

Learn about different ways to thicken your bean soup

While some people prefer a thinner, more brothy bean soup, others may want a thicker, heartier version. Here are some methods for thickening up 1 serving five bean soup or any other bean soup recipe:

• Simmer the soup for longer to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors
• Mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher to create a thicker, creamier texture
• Stir in some cornstarch or flour mixed with water to create a smooth slurry
• Add some canned tomato sauce or puree for a thicker, tomato-based soup

By experimenting with these methods, you can create a bean soup that is perfectly thick and rich for your tastes.

Discover new ways to incorporate bean soup into your meals

While 1 Serving Five Bean Soup is delicious on its own, it can also be a great base for other meal ideas. Some examples to consider include:

• Serving the soup over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal
• Using the soup as a filling for tacos or burritos, topped with fresh vegetables and salsa
• Layering the soup with cooked pasta and cheese for a bean and pasta casserole
• Using the soup as a base for a hearty vegetable soup with added veggies like kale, cabbage, or squash
• Mixing the soup with cooked ground meat or tofu for added protein and flavor

With a little creativity, you can turn one simple bowl of bean soup into a range of delicious and satisfying meals.