15 Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal perfect for any time of year. This guide will walk you through creating your own delicious 15 Bean Soup from scratch, whether you prefer to use a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or the stovetop.
What is 15 Bean Soup?
15 Bean Soup is a mix of different types of beans cooked together in a flavorful broth. Common bean varieties include navy beans, black beans, pinto beans, lima beans, kidney beans, and lentils. This combination creates a diverse texture and taste, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Beans are an affordable source of protein and fiber, making this soup easy on your wallet.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple cooking methods, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, meats, or spices.
- Great for Meal Prep: 15 Bean Soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping and leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 package of 15 Bean Soup mix (with seasoning packet)
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 smoked ham hock, leftover ham, or smoked sausage (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional vegetables: carrots, celery, parsley
Preparing the Beans
- Rinsing and Sorting: Pour the bean mix into a colander and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Pick through the beans to remove any small stones, debris, or broken beans.
- Soaking (Optional): Soaking the beans helps to reduce cooking time and can make them more digestible. Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and cover them with at least 2 inches of water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but you’ll need to add an extra cup of liquid and cook the soup for an additional 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
- Draining: If you soaked the beans, drain them well and discard the soaking water.
Cooking Instructions
Slow Cooker Method
- Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the drained beans, 8 cups of stock or water, diced onions, minced garlic, and your choice of meat (ham hock, leftover ham, or smoked sausage).
- Cooking Time: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beans are tender.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, and lemon juice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Serve hot.
Instant Pot Method
- Combine Ingredients: In an Instant Pot, combine the drained beans, 8 cups of stock or water, diced onions, minced garlic, and your choice of meat.
- Cooking Time: Seal the Instant Pot, turn the valve to the sealing position, and cook on manual mode for 45 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow for a natural pressure release for 25 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, and lemon juice.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Serve hot.
Stovetop Method
- Sauté Vegetables (Optional): For enhanced flavor, sauté diced carrots, celery, and onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the drained beans, 8 cups of stock or water, sautéed vegetables (if using), and your choice of meat.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, and lemon juice. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes to allow the soup to thicken.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect 15 Bean Soup
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Generously season your soup with salt, pepper, chili powder, and any other spices you enjoy.
- Thicken the Soup: To thicken the soup, remove about a cup of the cooked beans and broth, blend until smooth, and stir back into the pot. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Customize with Vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier soup.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
- Top with shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro.
Whether you’re using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, this 15 Bean Soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its hearty texture, rich flavor, and customizable ingredients, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy!