Quick 5-Ingredient Bean Soup: Fast & Flavourful

Crafting a wholesome and satisfying dinner in a flash is a top priority for many busy households. This delightful bean soup, requiring just five core ingredients, offers an ideal solution for those hectic weeknights. With approximately 10 minutes dedicated to prep and a further 18-20 minutes for simmering, the entire process fits neatly within a 30-minute timeframe. The secret to its efficiency lies in utilising readily available pantry staples that require minimal cooking, such as tinned beans and chopped tomatoes. This approach is designed to drastically reduce active kitchen time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your nourishing soup gently simmers. It’s a dish that provides comforting warmth and substantial goodness without any fuss, perfect for evenings when time is precious. The simplicity of its ingredients translates into a delightfully robust and comforting flavour profile, easily personalised with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp (0.5 fl oz/15ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 14 oz (400g) chopped tomatoes (tinned)
• 14 oz (400g) cannellini beans (tinned, drained and rinsed)
• 17.6 fl oz (500ml) vegetable stock
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over a medium flame. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Pour the chopped tomatoes into the saucepan, stir, and allow to simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavours meld slightly.
3. Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, vegetable stock, and dried oregano. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to its lowest setting.
4. Cover the saucepan and let the soup gently simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavours to deepen and the beans to absorb the liquid.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as preferred. For a creamier consistency, lightly mash a portion of the beans with the back of a spoon.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the soup hot, perhaps with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. It pairs beautifully with slices of toasted bread or croutons. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the hob over a low heat or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Having reliable methods for preparing healthy, swift meals is crucial for a balanced diet. This soup exemplifies how a few ingredients and targeted preparation can transform into a comforting dish, free from stress or lengthy waits, reinforcing that daily delicious cooking is entirely achievable with the right strategies.