Country Kitchen Calico Bean Soup Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s as hearty, flavorful, and nutritious as a Country Kitchen Calico Bean Soup. This dish is a perfect blend of textures, from tender beans to savory vegetables, all simmered together in a rich, seasoned broth. It’s one of those meals that can fill your home with a warmth that not only nourishes your body but also soothes your soul.

The Country Kitchen Calico Bean Soup recipe is an ideal option for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. With its perfect balance of protein, fiber, and taste, it has all the qualities you need to make it a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to make and yields delicious results.

Country Kitchen Calico Bean Soup Recipe

This rustic, hearty soup brings together a variety of beans, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, making it an ideal meal to enjoy on cold nights or when you’re craving something satisfying and wholesome.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish.

Ingredients Needed

• Dried Beans (or Canned Beans)

  • Typically, this soup is made with a mixture of different beans, hence the ’calico’ reference. Common varieties include kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and great northern beans. You can use a combination or choose your favorite beans.
  • If you’re short on time, canned beans can be substituted (just rinse them well to reduce sodium content).

• Vegetables

  • Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped. Onions add a base layer of sweetness and depth to the broth.
  • Carrots: Sliced into thin rounds or diced. Carrots contribute a lovely sweetness and a pop of color.
  • Celery: Celery offers crunch and a refreshing green note to balance the heavier beans.
• Garlic: A few cloves, minced. Garlic adds a robust flavor and an aromatic background to the soup.
• Bacon or Ham: Optional, but highly recommended for flavor. Bacon brings a smoky richness, while ham gives a hearty, meaty bite.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes (with juices) help thicken the broth and bring a slight tangy contrast to the beans’ earthiness.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth (or a combination) will serve as the base of your soup. You can also use water for a lighter version.

• Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper: The basic seasoning, adjusted to taste.
  • Bay leaves: For that comforting, herbal aroma that simmers through the soup.
  • Thyme and rosemary: Fresh or dried, these herbs enhance the depth of flavor.

• Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for a burst of freshness when serving.
  • A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a creamy finish.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!

1. Prepare The Beans

   • If using dried beans, rinse them well and soak them overnight in water. This will help soften them and reduce cooking time. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, a quick-soak method works: Boil the beans for 2-3 minutes, then let them sit, covered, for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook The Bacon Or Ham

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon or ham over medium heat until crispy or browned. If using bacon, once cooked, remove it and crumble it for later use. Keep the rendered fat in the pot to sauté your vegetables.

3. Sauté Vegetables

   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add Beans And Broth

   • Stir in the soaked or canned beans, tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer

   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours (if using dried beans). If you’re using canned beans, 30 minutes of simmering is usually enough to develop the flavors. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning adjustments.

6. Finish

   • Once the beans are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust seasoning. If using crumbled bacon, add it back in at this point for a burst of flavor. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes like fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. Serve with crusty bread for an extra comforting meal!

Ingredient Insights

• Beans: These are the backbone of your Calico Bean Soup. Rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, beans are a great source of plant-based nutrition. They’re filling, making them perfect for a one-pot meal. Using a variety of beans adds visual interest and a range of textures, from soft and creamy to firm and chewy.
• Bacon or Ham: While optional, adding bacon or ham introduces a layer of smoky flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the beans. The fat also adds richness to the broth, making it more satisfying.
• Herbs and Spices: The herbs like thyme and rosemary are aromatic powerhouses that infuse the broth with their earthy fragrance. Bay leaves add a subtle flavor, so don’t forget to remove them before serving.
• Tomatoes: These bright, acidic fruits cut through the heaviness of the beans, offering a nice contrast and balancing out the flavors. They also add a depth of umami that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Expert Tips

• Soaking Beans: If you’re using dried beans, soaking them overnight is essential to ensure they cook evenly. If you’re in a hurry, the quick-soak method will work, but it’s worth planning ahead for the best results.
• Flavor Development: The longer you simmer the soup, the more the flavors meld. If you have the time, let the soup sit for a few hours before serving, or even refrigerate it overnight. The flavors continue to develop and often taste even better the next day.
• Texture Control: If you like your soup thicker, use a potato masher to mash some of the beans in the pot. This will naturally thicken the broth without needing to add extra ingredients like flour or cornstarch.
• Frozen Vegetables: If fresh vegetables aren’t available, feel free to substitute with frozen. They work just as well and can cut down on prep time.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon or ham for a completely plant-based version. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy, smoky kick. It’s a great way to add another layer of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Southwest Twist: Incorporate cumin, chili powder, and cilantro to give the soup a southwestern flair. Add corn and diced green chilies for an extra punch.
• Creamy Version: For a creamy texture, stir in a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This makes the soup rich and velvety.
• Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: This soup works wonderfully in a slow cooker. Just combine all the ingredients, set it on low, and let it cook for 6-8 hours. For the Instant Pot, cook on high for 30-40 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.

Final Words

Country Kitchen Calico Bean Soup is one of those recipes that embodies the spirit of home-cooked comfort food. It’s versatile, hearty, and satisfying, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal on your own. Plus, it’s easy to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand, ensuring that it can be tailored to suit your preferences.

Whether you’re following the recipe exactly as written or adding your own unique twist, this soup has all the qualities that make it a classic. Simple, flavorful, and nourishing-what more could you want?