Cranberry Bean Soup
March 3, 2019
I bought these Cranberry Beans online from Rancho Gordo. They are amazing heirloom bean producers located in Napa, California. I decided to make this Cranberry Bean Soup. These beans are absolutely incredible, very creamy inside. These beans are versatile and velvety, this thin-skinned Borlotti bean produces a rich, indulgent bean broth, making it perfect for classic Italian dishes as well as simple pot beans. The soup was so easy to make. I actually made it in a slow cooker.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
14 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
1 pound dried cranberry beans, soaked at least 6 hours or overnight and drained
large piece of rind from a wedge of Parmesan cheese
8 cups of water, chicken or vegetable stock
a handful or two of chopped baby spinach
2 teaspoons sea salt or more if using unsalted stock or water
Directions
1Heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large pot and add the pancetta and cook over moderate heat until the fat has rendered, about 4 minutes. Then add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, balsamic vinegar and herbs. Cook until vegetables have softened and the onions are tender and translucent, about 8 minutes.
2Add the tomatoes with the juice and cook for 5 more minutes, until the tomatoes are fragrant.
3Add the drained beans, Parmesan rind and water or stock (do NOT add salt here) and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Softening the beans can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the age of the beans.
4Once the beans are softened, add the spinach and stir until wilted.
5Add the salt and pepper and taste for seasoning. Top with parmesan cheese.
4 Reviews
Corrie Carney
March 29, 2026
Delichous! One thing I’ve discovered that I like doing is to soak the beans overnight…then cook them in fresh water or broth most of the way done…then put the soup together adjusting the broth accordingly. Seems more flavorful to me…but it might be more in my head!
Leslie Blythe
July 25, 2025
Cook on low 7 to 9 hours or on high for 3½ to 4½ hours.
Nelwyn Babineaux
July 15, 2025
I want to make this soon. It looks delicious. How long do you cook it in the crockpot? Thanks
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Leslie Blythe
March 29, 2026
I will try that method!