Seven bean soup can be prepared many different ways. You can can make it as a lighter soup, perfect as a side dish for a meal. You can prepare it as a thick, hearty soup to be served as the main course. You can even thicken it into a stew. Spices vary widely from recipe to recipe, with every cook putting a personal touch on the soup. The one constant of these recipes is the use of seven different bean types.
Slow-Cooking Method
Peel and dice the carrots and onions. Cut the celery into 1/4-inch pieces. Peel and cut the sausage into small rounds. Cut the garlic into thin slices.
Add two cups of mixed beans in a large soup pot. Add 6 to 8 cups of stock or chicken broth, the onions, carrots, celery, soup bones, sausage, garlic, salt and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Cover the soup and let it simmer over a low heat for three to five hours, or until the beans are tender.
Soaking Method
Place two cups of mixed beans in a bowl. Add water to cover the beans. Put in the refrigerator and leave overnight. Drain the beans as you begin the prep for the rest of the soup.
Peel and dice the carrots and onions. Cut the celery into 1/4-inch pieces. Peel and cut the sausage into small rounds. Cut the garlic into thin slices.
Add the beans to a large soup pot and pour in 6 to 8 cups of stock or chicken broth. Add the onions, carrots, celery, soup bones, sausage, garlic, salt and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Cover the soup and let it simmer on low for 2 to 2-1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Tips
Excellent additions include chopped bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, bacon bits and green beans. These should be added to the soup about 20 minutes before serving. Various spices can be used to change the flavor of seven bean soup. If you like spicy food, try adding a teaspoon or two of dried red pepper flakes.
