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Delightful country-style bean soup

Featured in Cozy soups to warm your heart.

A hearty soup reminiscent of a stew with red beans, bacon, and pasta in a fragrant tomato-based broth. A complete, comforting meal.
Maria from tastyhush
Last updated Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:43:03 GMT
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A colorful soup bowl with beans, vegetables, and fresh herbs beside bread on a wooden table. Save Recipe
A colorful soup bowl with beans, vegetables, and fresh herbs beside bread on a wooden table. | Tastyhush.com

In our family kitchen, red bean soup holds a special place. This treasured recipe has been passed down from my grandmother, evolving slightly with each generation. On cold winter evenings, the aroma wafting from the pot brings everyone eagerly to the dinner table.

A Bowl of Comfort

This hearty soup is perfect for chilly weather. The magic lies in how the creamy red beans blend with the rich homemade broth as it simmers gently. A simple yet satisfying dish that connects us to cherished cooking traditions.

Essential Ingredients

  • 600g red beans: Organic, thoroughly rinsed
  • 2 yellow onions: Fresh and firm
  • 125g diced bacon: For rich smoky flavor
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil: High quality
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste: For deep color
  • 1 can peeled tomatoes: Italian preferred
  • 70cl broth: Homemade stock
  • Salt and pepper: Freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon Espelette pepper: For gentle heat
  • 2 large tomatoes: Ripe and fragrant
  • 1 small white onion: For sweetness
  • 150g pasta: Small shapes work best

Cooking Method

Initial Preparation
Rinse beans thoroughly while dicing onions.
Building Flavors
Slowly brown bacon in oil, then add onions until fragrant.
Creating the Base
Combine tomatoes, beans, broth, and seasonings, letting flavors meld.
Fresh Additions
Add fresh tomatoes and white onion, simmer for 20 minutes.
Final Touch
Cook pasta until perfectly al dente before adding to soup.
Un bol de soupe aux haricots garni de persil, avec des morceaux de légumes et de viande, accompagné de pain sur une table en bois. Save Recipe
Un bol de soupe aux haricots garni de persil, avec des morceaux de légumes et de viande, accompagné de pain sur une table en bois. | Tastyhush.com

Ready to Serve

Serve this hearty soup in earthenware bowls alongside fresh country bread. Garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. A simple green salad makes the perfect accompaniment.

Recipe Tips

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Sure, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and pre-cook for about an hour. Canned beans save time, though.
→ What type of pasta works best?
Small shapes like elbow macaroni or shells are great. Long pasta isn’t the best fit for soup since it’s harder to eat.
→ Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, but leave the pasta out before freezing. Cook fresh pasta when reheating your soup for serving.
→ How can I thicken or thin the soup?
If it’s too thick, add hot broth. To make it thicker, let it simmer uncovered until it reaches the desired texture.
→ Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors get better with time. Just save adding the pasta until you’re ready to eat to keep it from getting mushy.

Country bean soup

A flavorful, rustic soup loaded with red beans, savory bacon, fresh tomatoes, and pasta for a satisfying dinner.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cooking Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Easy

Style: French

Makes: 6 Serves (2 liters of soup)

Diet Type: No Dairy

Ingredients

01 150g of pasta.
02 2 large fresh tomatoes.
03 A small white onion.
04 A can of red beans (600g, drained).
05 2 onions.
06 125g of diced bacon pieces.
07 4 tbsp of tomato paste.
08 3 tbsp of olive oil.
09 70cl of beef broth.
10 A can of peeled tomatoes.
11 1 tsp of Espelette pepper.
12 Salt and pepper.

Let's Cook

Step 01

Put the beans in a colander and rinse them off with cold water. Peel both onions and chop them up finely. Heat up the oil in a big cooking pot, then throw in the diced bacon and let it cook for a bit. Add the onions to the pot and stir until they turn golden.

Step 02

Toss the peeled tomatoes, the tomato paste, and the rinsed red beans into the pot. Pour in the beef broth while you're at it. Get the soup to a gentle boil, keep the heat low, and season it with some salt, black pepper, and Espelette pepper.

Step 03

Peel the fresh tomatoes, get the seeds out, and dice the tomato flesh into small chunks. Chop the small white onion too. Stir the onion and tomato into the soup, cover the pot, and let everything simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 04

Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Once they're cooked, mix the pasta into the soup just before serving.

Tips

  1. Add the pasta right before serving.
  2. You can make the soup in advance, but keep the pasta separate.

What You'll Need

  • A large cooking pot.
  • A colander.

Allergy Notes

Check ingredients for allergens and talk to your doctor if unsure.
  • Gluten (from the pasta).

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are estimates and should not replace professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbs: 45 g
  • Protein: 18 g