If you’re searching for a nutritious and budget-friendly meal, look no further than the 15 bean soup recipe. This hearty dish is filled with protein-rich beans, savory spices, and a variety of flavors that make it a comforting option for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, the 15 bean soup recipe is versatile, customizable, and always satisfying.
If you enjoy hearty, homemade soups like this 15 bean soup recipe, you might also love this easy and flavorful chicken taco soup recipe.
What Is a 15 Bean Soup Recipe?
A 15 bean soup recipe combines a mixture of beans, such as pintos, navy beans, split peas, garbanzo beans, and lentils, to create a dish that’s both filling and nutritious. With the option to add meats like ham, sausage, or even turkey, this soup can be customized to your taste. The beans provide a significant amount of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, making it an excellent option for a balanced diet.
The soup can be enhanced with various vegetables, herbs, and spices, offering endless flavor possibilities. It’s a popular dish for using leftover meats like ham or sausage, and it freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Beans are a staple ingredient in many comfort food dishes, whether it’s a 15 bean soup recipe or classic baked beans
Basic Ingredients for the 15 Bean Soup Recipe
To create the ultimate 15 bean soup recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 package of 15 bean soup mix (typically comes with a seasoning packet)
- 4 cups of water
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock or sausage (optional for added flavor)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz can of diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
How to Make 15 Bean Soup on the Stovetop
H2: Stovetop 15 Bean Soup Recipe
Cooking the 15 bean soup recipe on the stovetop is a traditional method that allows the flavors to blend and develop over time. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Beans: Start by rinsing the beans thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Soaking the beans overnight is optional, but doing so can reduce the cooking time.
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, cook the ham hock or sausage in the water and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about an hour to infuse the broth with flavor.
- Add the Beans and Vegetables: Once the meat has simmered, add the beans, onion, garlic, and the seasoning packet from the 15 bean soup mix. Allow the soup to simmer for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, and lemon juice. Simmer the soup uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the soup to thicken.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad.
This stovetop version allows the soup to develop rich, deep flavors over time, and it’s perfect for cozy dinners at home.
Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup Recipe
H2: Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup for Easy Cooking
For those who prefer a hands-off approach, the slow cooker is an excellent option for making 15 bean soup. The slow, gentle cooking method allows the beans to soften and absorb the flavors of the broth and seasonings.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse and sort the beans as usual. Soaking is optional, but it can help reduce the overall cooking time.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the beans, water, broth, ham hock or sausage, onion, garlic, and the seasoning packet into the slow cooker. Set it on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Add Tomatoes and Lemon Juice: About 30 minutes before the soup is done, add the diced tomatoes and lemon juice. This prevents the tomatoes from preventing the beans from softening during cooking.
- Serve: Once done, give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve with warm bread or crackers for a hearty meal.
The slow cooker version is perfect for busy days when you want a warm meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup Recipe
H2: Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup for Quick and Easy Meals
If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious 15 bean soup recipe, the Instant Pot is a great tool to speed up the process.
Instructions:
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to cook the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add the Beans and Broth: Add the rinsed beans, broth, water, and ham hock or sausage to the pot. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Stir in Tomatoes and Lemon Juice: Add the tomatoes and lemon juice, and let the soup sit for a few minutes on the “Keep Warm” setting to thicken and allow the flavors to meld.
The Instant Pot makes this 15 bean soup recipe convenient and time-efficient, while still delivering rich, delicious flavors.
Flavor Variations for the 15 Bean Soup Recipe
H2: Customize Your 15 Bean Soup Recipe with These Variations
One of the best things about a 15 bean soup recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a spicier flavor profile, or a Mediterranean twist, there’s a variation for you.
Vegan 15 Bean Soup
- Vegetable Broth: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegan.
- Extra Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, kale, or spinach to increase the nutritional content and create a heartier soup.
Spicy Cajun 15 Bean Soup
- Cajun Spices: Add Cajun seasoning or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Andouille Sausage: Replace the ham with andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy flavor.
Much like baked beans, you can add ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, or bacon to your recipe to boost its flavor. For more tips on enhancing baked beans, visit this guide.
Mediterranean 15 Bean Soup
- Olive Oil and Herbs: Add a drizzle of olive oil, fresh basil, oregano, and parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired soup.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
For a tangy twist, you can add a splash of vinegar to your recipe—similar to how vinegar enhances baked beans. Learn more about why vinegar is added to baked beans.
How to Thicken 15 Bean Soup
H2: Easy Tips for Thickening 15 Bean Soup
For those who prefer a thicker soup, there are several ways to adjust the consistency of your 15 bean soup recipe.
- Blend Some Beans: Remove a cup of the cooked beans and broth, blend them until smooth, and stir them back into the soup.
- Use a Potato Masher: Mash some of the beans directly in the pot to thicken the soup without using a blender.
- Add Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, or parsnips can naturally thicken the soup as they cook and break down.
These methods will give you a thicker, creamier texture without needing to add any additional ingredients.
If you’re curious about sauces in bean dishes, check out what goes into the sauce for baked beans to inspire new flavor ideas for your recipe.
Storing and Reheating 15 Bean Soup
H2: Best Practices for Storing and Reheating Your 15 Bean Soup
The 15 bean soup recipe is perfect for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator and freezer.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze individual portions of the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. Lay the bags flat to save space, and label them with the date. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, you can add a little water or broth to thin it out.
For more meal prep ideas, visit Bob’s Red Mill.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
H2: FAQs About Making 15 Bean Soup
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Do I Need to Soak the Beans?
Soaking beans isn’t mandatory for the 15 bean soup recipe, but it can reduce cooking time and make the beans easier to digest. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but plan for a longer cooking time. -
Can I Make 15 Bean Soup Without Meat?
Yes! The 15 bean soup recipe can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables and spices to enhance the flavor.
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What If I Don’t Have a Seasoning Packet?
If your 15 bean mix didn’t come with a seasoning packet, you can use bouillon cubes or a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder to season your 15 bean soup recipe. You can also add salt and pepper to taste as you cook. For an extra depth of flavor, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke if you’re omitting the ham or sausage. -
Can I Use a Ham Bone Instead of Ham or Sausage?
Yes, using a ham bone is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of the soup. The marrow from the bone will give the broth a rich, savory taste. Simply add the ham bone during the cooking process and remove it before serving. You can also pick off any leftover meat from the bone and add it back into the soup. -
How Can I Make My Soup Less Salty?
If you find that your 15 bean soup recipe is too salty, there are a few simple fixes. You can add more water or unsalted broth to dilute the saltiness. Additionally, adding a starchy vegetable like potatoes can help absorb some of the salt. Be sure to taste your soup as you cook and adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting. -
How Can I Add More Protein to My Soup?
If you want to increase the protein content of your recipe, consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even a can of black or kidney beans. You can also add more sausage or ham for a meaty, protein-packed version of the soup. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try adding tofu or tempeh for an extra protein boost. -
How Can I Add More Vegetables to My Soup?
Adding extra vegetables to your 15 bean soup recipe is a great way to increase its nutritional value. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini all work well in this soup. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or kale toward the end of the cooking process for an extra burst of color and nutrients.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try this Recipe
In conclusion, the 15 bean soup recipe is a versatile, nutritious, and budget-friendly dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you prefer a traditional stovetop method, the convenience of a slow cooker, or the speed of an Instant Pot, this recipe can be adapted to fit your cooking style. With endless flavor variations, the option to add meats or keep it vegetarian, and easy methods for thickening and storing, the 15 bean soup recipe is a must-try for any home cook.
Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is not only satisfying but also incredibly nourishing. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping, as it freezes beautifully and reheats easily. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing meals for the week, or looking for a simple and hearty dish to warm up with, the 15 bean soup recipe delivers on flavor, nutrition, and comfort.
So why not give it a try? You can find more inspiration and variations on this classic soup by visiting Spend With Pennies or AllRecipes. Be sure to experiment with different spices, meats, and vegetables to make this soup truly your own.
Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!