Five Bean Soup Recipes

Steps:

• Combine beans; divide into four even batches, about 3-3/4 cups each., To make one batch of soup: Wash one batch of beans. Place in a large kettle; add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil; cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. , Tie spices in a cheesecloth bag. Drain and rinse beans. Return to kettle; add bouillon, spices and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1-1/2 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove spices. Add tomatoes and heat through.

Steps:

• To make bean mix: Measure pinto, navy, kidney, lima, and garbanzo beans, and combine in a large airtight container or bag.
• To make seasoning mix: Combine onion, paprika, salt, mustard powder, garlic, chicken bouillon powder, beef broth, parsley, bacon bits, and vegetable flakes in plastic bag and shake to mix. Place bag in bean container. Store at room temperature.
• To make one batch (6 bowls) soup, start 2 1/2 hours before. Rinse 1 1/2 cups bean mix in sieve under running water. Place beans in a three-quart saucepan. Add 5 cups water, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/4 cup seasoning mix. (You can add 1 can tomatoes and juice at this time, or you can add the juice and reserve the tomatoes to add near the end of the simmering time.) Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until beans are tender.

Steps:

• Heat stove-top to medium high heat.
• In a large pot, saute the diced onions and red pepper until onions go clear.
• Add garlic and saute together well for about a minute.
• Add broth and tomato sauce.
• Drain and rinse all the beans and add them to the pot.
• Mix the pot continually until it slowly begins to bubble on the edges.
• Add the cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder and mix until well combined and soup is pretty much to a boil.
• Top with sour cream and green onions or tortilla chips.
• Serve warm