Warm and hearty, 15-bean soup is a delightful mixture that dances on the palate, tantalizing your taste buds with its variety of textures and flavors. Imagine a cozy evening, with a chill in the air, and you, wrapped up in a blanket, cradling a bowl of this marvelous soup, steaming and aromatic, bringing comfort to every sense.
This meal is not just a simple soup, it’s a bundle of nutrition and robust flavors, encompassing a variety of beans that mingle together to offer a symphony of nutritional goodness and heartwarming delight. It is a meal, a comfort, and a joy all simmered into one pot.
Why This Recipe Works
The very essence of the 15-bean soup lies in its diverse mixture of beans, each bringing its own unique texture, flavor, and nutrient profile to the table. Kidney beans, lima beans, pinto beans, and a dozen more work in harmony to provide a rich, hearty base, introducing not just a myriad of flavors, but also a powerhouse of protein and fiber. This duo – protein and fiber – ensures that the soup is not only delicious but also notably satisfying and nutritious, making it a wholesome meal especially beneficial for those seeking a healthy, balanced diet. A pot of 15-bean soup promises not just fullness, but also the assurance of a meal that is kind to your body.
Furthermore, this 15-bean soup recipe is immensely versatile and forgiving, allowing for adaptations and variations to suit every palate and preference. Have a particular bean you adore? Add extra! Not a fan of a specific type? Swap it out! The layered flavors derived from combining beans with vegetables, herbs, and spices create a complex, hearty broth that only gets better with time, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping and leftovers. Its ability to be both a stand-alone meal and a complementary side dish amplifies its appeal, providing options for it to grace your table on countless occasions. And, with the simple joy of crafting it all in one pot, this soup presents itself as a must-try, unifying ease with pure, hearty goodness.
Ingredients
Mixed Beans: Central to the soup, mixed beans provide a rich source of protein and fiber. If unavailable, use any beans you have.
Ham Hock: Adds smoky flavor and depth to the soup. Turkey legs or smoked sausage can be alternatives.
Diced Tomatoes: Offer a slight acidity and sweetness. Canned tomatoes work well, but fresh ones can also be used.
Onion: Fundamental for a savory base. Leeks or shallots can be a good substitute.
Garlic: For that indispensable aroma and taste. Garlic powder or minced garlic in a jar can be used as a substitute if needed.
Tips
- Soak the beans overnight for faster cooking and to make them easier to digest.
- Remove the ham from the hock halfway through cooking, shred it, and return it to the soup to distribute the meat evenly.
- Add acidic ingredients like tomatoes after the beans have softened to ensure they cook properly.
- Use a mix of spices like cayenne, cumin, and coriander to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
- If the soup is too thick, add broth or water during cooking to reach your desired consistency.
How to Serve
15 bean soup, with its rich, hearty flavors, serves well in a variety of settings and can be paired or topped with numerous items for a full, satisfying meal. It’s often a hit in colder months, offering a comforting bowl of warmth and nutrition. Given its versatile nature, it can easily slide into different meal settings.
- Pair the soup with a fresh, crisp green salad and some crunchy bread for a wholesome meal.
- For a fusion twist, serve over rice or with a side of cornbread.
- Use as a hearty sauce over a baked potato or pasta for a robust and filling dish.
Similar Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
15 Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450g 15-bean mix, soaked overnight
- 1 ham hock
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Soak beans in a large bowl covered with water overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- In a large pot, add the ham hock and broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour.
- Add soaked beans, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes, bay leaf, and seasoning. Simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Soak the beans overnight for faster cooking and to make them easier to digest.
- Remove the ham from the hock halfway through cooking, shred it, and return it to the soup to distribute the meat evenly.
- Add acidic ingredients like tomatoes after the beans have softened to ensure they cook properly.
- Use a mix of spices like cayenne, cumin, and coriander to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
- If the soup is too thick, add broth or water during cooking to reach your desired consistency.