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)

Skillet Lasagna
Skillet full of noodles, beef and vegetables under a layer of melted mozzarella cheese.

Skillet Lasagna

A fun twist on traditional lasagna that uses one skillet. Cheesy, hearty and filling.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy oat and raisin cookies are shown on a serving plate.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

A great grab-and-go snack with sweet raisins, warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. No sugar added and kid approved!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
14 Cookies
Fruit Salad
Footed dessert glasses filled with a fruit mix coated in yogurt.

Fruit Salad

A favorite recipe by many of our educators, as it is so easily adaptable and tasty.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Raspberry Fruit Dip
Bowl of yogurt raspberry dip served with sliced apple and pear.

Raspberry Fruit Dip

A sweet and creamy dip that comes together in a few minutes. Perfect for dipping fruit!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Quick Brown Bread
Sliced loaf of whole-wheat bread with evenly space air pockets.

Quick Brown Bread

Warm and comforting quick bread with whole wheat flour and a hint of sweet brown sugar.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
Tofu Banana Pudding
Dessert glasses of creamy pudding topped with banana slices.

Tofu Banana Pudding

Only 4 ingredients and 15 minutes for this sweet and creamy treat.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ Cups