Skip to main content

Three Sisters Soup

Warm and comforting easy-to-make soup with squash, beans and a savory broth.
Bean, corn and summer squash soup in bowls.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 Cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 ½ Tablespoons vegetable oil
¾ cup diced carrot
1 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder 
2 cups diced squash (summer or winter, fresh or frozen)
1 ½ cups corn (fresh or frozen) or a 15-ounce can (drained and rinsed)
1 ½ cups cooked beans (any type) or a 15-ounce can (drained and rinsed)
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes or 2 cups diced fresh
3 ½ cups low-sodium broth (any type)
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Heat oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add carrot and onion and cook until onions begin to turn a little brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add garlic, squash and corn and continue to stir for another 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, cumin and pepper.
  6. Allow soup to come to a boil, then turn heat down to a simmer until all vegetables are tender to taste. This will take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the vegetables used.
  7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try This: Change the vegetables and beans based on what you have on hand. Instead of cumin, try 2 to 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning or 1 Tablespoon of curry powder.

Thanks to the Indigenous Peoples Workgroup of Oregon State University Extension Service for this recipe.

Comments

This Three Sisters Soup is packed with vegetables and holds flavor. Sampled this at a kids event and even most of the kids enjoyed the soup! This is a very hearty and filling meal. A good practice is to learn about the Three Sisters gardening and history while making this soup. 

Big hit with kids and families!  Easy to prepare with both fresh and/or canned ingredients, and equally delicious - it also paired perfectly with our Three Sisters gardening lessons.  To make a thicker version, more stew-like and easier to transport between classes and serve in the classroom, I used the liquid from all the canned ingredients (contain vitamins and minerals), and cut out the broth.  Do not add any extra salt to this dish if the canning liquid is used. 

 

 

Delicious! I used pinto beans, fresh tomato, cumin seed, and used low-sodium chicken bouillon for the broth and it turned out perfect! 😊

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Salsa Macha
Bowl of thin red salsa shown drizzled over chicken and vegetables.

Salsa Macha

You will love this pepper-infused oil made with hot peppers, garlic and peanuts. It is delicious drizzled on just about anything and stores well in your refrigerator or freezer.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Succotash
Bowls filled with a variety of vegetables and okra.

Succotash

Combine sweet corn and tender lima beans with okra and tomato to make the perfect side dish of summer or any time of the year. Succotash is a blend of indigenous and African Heritage foods and we thank those who have shared this recipe with Food Hero.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
5 ½ cups
Wild Rice with Salmon Stew
Bowl of rice with a salmon and vegetable topping.

Wild Rice with Salmon Stew

Filling and flavorful meal combining fish, vegetables and whole grains with herbs and lemon.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Glass of Sunshine Flavored Water
Pitcher of ice water with orange wedges.

Glass of Sunshine Flavored Water

Easy, homemade flavored water. So refreshing!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
0
Makes:
8 cups
Plant Part Salad
Wooden bowl filled with a variety of raw vegetables.

Plant Part Salad

Kids learn the parts of a plant and how to make a tasty salad with this recipe.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Sautéed Cabbage
Plate of cabbage mixed with shredded carrots.

Sautéed Cabbage

Earthy with a bit of sweetness, this tasty sautéed cabbage recipe only has 5 ingredients and is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups