Description
This Red Kidney Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful plant-based meal, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Made with kidney beans, aromatic spices, and sweet potatoes, this nutritious soup is easy to prepare using either an Instant Pot or stovetop. Packed with protein, fiber, and rich Jamaican-inspired flavors, it’s ideal for vegan, gluten-free, and comfort food lovers!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry red kidney beans, sorted and rinsed
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups chopped yellow or white onion
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 green onions, whole or roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons scotch bonnet pepper sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger root
- 4 cups sweet potato, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- ½ to 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (optional, for added creaminess)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beans
- In a large pot or Instant Pot, add the sorted and rinsed dry kidney beans and 5 cups of water.
-
Add Aromatics and Spices
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, fresh thyme sprigs, green onions, ground allspice, scotch bonnet pepper sauce, and fresh grated ginger root to the pot.
-
Cook the Soup:
- Instant Pot: Seal the lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
-
Add Sweet Potatoes
- Once the beans are cooked, add the chopped sweet potatoes to the pot.
-
Final Cooking:
- Instant Pot: Seal the lid again, set the pressure valve to “Sealing,” and cook on low pressure for 1 minute. Perform a quick release of pressure.
- Stovetop: Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
-
Add Coconut Milk
- Stir in the unsweetened coconut milk (if using) and adjust salt to taste.
-
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Increase the amount of scotch bonnet pepper sauce or add fresh chili peppers to enhance spiciness.
- Additional Vegetables: Add carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnishing.
