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When the weather turns chilly or you simply crave a warm bowl of comfort, there's nothing quite like a hearty soup to nourish both body and soul. The Hearty Eggplant & Bean Soup is a delightful dish that offers a rich tapestry of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for any season. This soup combines the robust earthiness of eggplant with the creamy satisfaction of beans, creating a wholesome meal that is both filling and fulfilling.

Hearty Eggplant & Bean Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Eggplant & Bean Soup, a comforting vegan recipe perfect for chilly days. This delicious soup combines tender eggplant and creamy cannellini beans, creating a filling yet nutritious meal. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, it caters to various dietary preferences. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe invites kitchen creativity and results in a flavorful dish that brings loved ones together. Enjoy each soothing spoonful!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium eggplant, diced into 1-inch cubes

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including all juices

4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your heat preference)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare All Ingredients: Begin by washing, peeling (if necessary), and chopping all vegetables. Dice the eggplant, carrots, celery, and bell pepper, and finely chop the onion and garlic. Set them aside to ensure a smooth cooking process.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.

      Add the Harder Vegetables: Incorporate the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper into the pot. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and become fragrant.

        Incorporate the Eggplant: Add the diced eggplant to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant begins to soften and meld with the other vegetables.

          Season with Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed, then cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices lightly and enhance their flavors.

            Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth. Stir all ingredients together to combine, bringing a burst of flavor to the pot.

              Fold in the Beans: Gently add the rinsed cannellini beans, folding them into the soup to mix. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor.

                Simmer for Flavor Development: Increase the heat slightly until the soup reaches a gentle simmer. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing all the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to develop beautifully.

                  Adjust Seasoning and Thickness: After simmering, taste the soup. Adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired. If you prefer a thicker soup, take a spoon and mash a few beans against the side of the pot for added creaminess.

                    Serve and Garnish: Ladle the delicious soup into warm bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy the soup hot, savoring the rich flavors and textures!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 6 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, serve with a slice of rustic bread on the side or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top for added richness.