Tammy’s 9-15 Bean Soup

It’s our Ultimate Food Week and I’m sharing my favorite soup with you. WAIT! Before you close this screen thinking it can’t be good because it will be something really healthy – just give me a chance to set this up for you.

Ok Yes, it’s very healthy BUT it’s also very tasty and filling. How do I know? – it’s been taste approved by my family many, many times as this is one of my go – to meals. AND… if any of you know my hubby, it’s just not a meal unless it’s got meat and lots of it (in his words “veggies are just fillers”).  This soup is chock full of healthy, nutrient dense (high quality nutrients with low cals) beans, lentils and veg. It’s very testy, incredibly filling and satisfying, full of comfort and will last at least a day or two depending on the size of your family.

9-15 Bean Soup

1 onion chopped

2 med carrots

2-4 stalks of celery

2-4 cloves of minced garlic (depending on your taste)

~5 sprigs of thyme

3 TBSP olive oil

1 ¼ Cup of mixed beans and lentils (here’s the 9-15 part –Use as many varieties of beans and lentils as you like- the more the merrier).

28 oz can Organic Diced Tomatoes

4 Cups Chicken or veg broth low sodium (or whatever is on hand, I’ve been known to mix these if I’m short on one)

2 Cups water

Sea salt and Pepper to taste

Parmesan Cheese to garnish

Sauté the onion, celery and carrot until soft (~5min). Add the garlic for about 1 min. Add the bean and lentil mixture tomatoes, broth, water and thyme. Stir well and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 1 ½ -2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer the better the flavors. Fish out the thyme stems (by this time the leaves should have all come off). Salt and pepper to taste. Add grated Parmesan to each bowl. You can enjoy this with a great artisan loaf of bread and I swear the family will be healthy, full and happy.