### Basic Vegetable Soup with Beans and Grains: A Nutritious and Easy-to-Make Meal
Creating a hearty vegetable soup packed with beans and grains is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. This recipe combines various vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to create a wholesome dish that can be made in under an hour. Follow these detailed steps to whip up a delicious and healthy meal for your family.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice or quinoa (cooked)
- 2 cups dried white beans, soaked overnight
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, any color, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Step-by-Step Guide
##### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your vegetables and soaking the beans if you haven’t already. This step ensures that everything is ready as you begin cooking.
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##### Step 2: Cook the Beans
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the soaked and rinsed beans. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 30-45 minutes or until tender. If using canned beans, skip this step but make sure to drain them well.
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##### Step 3: Cook the Grains
While the beans are cooking, rinse the brown rice or quinoa under cold water. Add it to a separate pot with vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and grains are tender.
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##### Step 4: Prepare the Soup Base
Heat olive oil or vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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##### Step 5: Add Vegetables
Next, add diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables start to soften but are still crisp.
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##### Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked grains and beans (or canned beans) along with the diced tomatoes and thyme. Stir everything together, then pour in the vegetable broth if needed to adjust consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
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##### Step 7: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer briefly (about 2-3 more minutes) before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
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#### Conclusion
This basic vegetable soup beans and grains recipe is a versatile, nutritious meal that you can customize according to your preferences. By following these steps, you'll create a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.
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