Savory Adzuki Bean Soup
This comforting one-pot Savory Adzuki Bean Soup is a nourishing and hearty meal, featuring a rich base of aromatic vegetables simmered with tender adzuki beans and savory vegetable broth.
For 4 servings
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the cooked adzuki beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend about one-third of the soup directly in the pot, then stir it back into the remaining soup.
- 2If using dry adzuki beans instead of canned, remember to soak them overnight and then cook them according to package directions before adding them to the soup.
- 3This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- 4Enhance the umami by adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic, or a dash of soy sauce/tamari at the end.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the broth for a bit of heat.
Hearty GreensHearty Greens
Stir in a handful of chopped kale or spinach during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering to boost the nutritional content and add color.
Smoky DepthSmoky Depth
Include 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika when sautéing the vegetables for a subtle, smoky flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Adzuki beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Plant-Based Protein
This soup provides a good amount of plant-based protein from the adzuki beans, essential for muscle repair and overall body function, making it a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Nutrient-Dense Vegetables
Packed with carrots, celery, and onion, the soup delivers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune health and overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! You'll need about 1/2 cup of dry adzuki beans. Soak them overnight, then cook them according to package directions until tender before adding them to the soup as instructed.
