General Aviation Bean Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-simmered soup with cannellini beans and smoky vegetables, reflecting the steady rhythm of aviation operations. This soups-inspired slow cooker ready in about 40 minutes pairs cannellini beans, chicken broth, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Soups cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion (finely chopped) and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then add 2 diced medium carrots and 2 diced medium celery stalks.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 (15 oz can) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does General Aviation Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover General Aviation Bean Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cannellini beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in General Aviation Bean Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale General Aviation Bean Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with General Aviation Bean Soup?

Soups slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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