Are you craving a hearty, nutritious meal that comes together in less than an hour? Look no further than this incredible Instant Pot Basic Bean Soup! Imagine a steaming bowl of rich, flavorful goodness that's not just delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a comforting meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried beans (any variety)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or damaged beans. If time permits, soak beans for 4-6 hours or overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Mince garlic cloves and add them to the vegetable mixture. Sauté for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the rinsed dried beans and vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to "Sealing" position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set the timer for 35 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If a thicker consistency is desired, use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash some beans.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: While soaking beans is optional, it can significantly reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. If you're short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but the Instant Pot will still work its magic.
- Flavor Boosting: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional herbs and spices. A pinch of smoked paprika, dried thyme, or a ham bone can elevate the soup's flavor profile.
- Consistency Control: For a creamier soup, use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially break down some beans. This creates a more luxurious texture without losing the soup's rustic charm.
- Storage Hack: This soup freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to swap vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth, or add additional vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Pressure Release Tip: Allow natural pressure release for the first 10-15 minutes to ensure beans are perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
