Ideas about seasonings for bean soup?

Question

I am making a crockpot bean soup today with red kidney beans and lots of different veggies. I make this all of the time and usually season it with cumin, crushed red pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.

Can you give me some different ideas for seasoning? I have a little of everything on hand. I also have some fresh basil and garlic but would like to know what else I could use to make the soup taste different from usual.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

I love using Thai seasonings for an unusual flavor. Ginger is a must. Chili oils are great for soups.

In a pinch, you can use the seasoning packet from ramen for a different flavor. Just heat the seasonings in a saute pan to freshen them before adding them to the soup.

Answer 2

My mother and grandmother both use a smoked hamhock and I generally throw in 1-2 whole bay leaves and I also use sweet basil and oregano. I use fresh onion instead of the powder and both fresh garlic and granulated garlic, they have two very different flavors. For a kick, I sometimes add Tony Tachere Creole Seasoning and Adobo and Sazon (they are salty, so taste frequently). I don't use cumin or crushed pepper, but I do use black pepper and cayenne for heat. I always want to put in chili powder but don't because I want bean soup not chili. I sprinkle in a little celery salt sometimes too just to add another level of freshness because celery is not my husband's favor veggie. My husband can practically kill a pot of this stuff by himself. Sprinkle a little cheese shreds on top of each bowl at serving time and serve with a hunk of corn bread or corn bread muffins.

Answer 3

A little basil works...and some parsley flakes too. If you have some celery salt, celery flakes, etc., that broadens the flavors and works well with whatever else you've got in the pot. Somewhere in there also should be a little bacon or salt pork ['try' out before putting in the pot...reduces the grease but retains the flavors]. For the complete protein effect, serve over rice--beans 'n rice are VERY nice!

Answer 4

If you have tomatoes in the beans,try some Italian seasoning for a change.Use the usual garlic powder and chopped green onions.I love to add a squirt of mustard and a pinch of sugar to mine.The flavor is all that matters...

Answer 5

Throw a Ham Hock in with all of the ingredients. It will add a good flavor to the bean soup.

Answer 6

I always put a cube of Bouillon in all my bean soups. You can choose between beef, chicken, or pork. The chicken seems to be my favorite.

Answer 7

1 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
1 green pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. chili powder

This is what I use in my crockpot beans.

Answer 8

I aways use a good sausage, (such as Chapel Hill, Holmes,etc.) sliced. A can of Ro-Tel (mild, med. or Italian, Etc.)

Answer 9

Put in a nice chunk of smoked ham.

Answer 10

Salt Pork or Bullion would be my suggestion.