Cozy & Hearty 15 Bean Soup

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Bean There, Done That? Think Again!

Remember those childhood dinners where bean soup was, well, just bean soup? get ready to be amazed. this 15 bean soup recipe transforms those humble beans into a flavour explosion.

Honestly, the smoky, hearty flavour will knock your socks off!

Brief Overview

This 15 bean soup recipe hails from good ol' American comfort food traditions. Perfect on a chilly night. It's easy to make but tastes like you slaved all day! It serves 6-8 hungry folks and is bound to make them satisfied!

Main Benefits: Healthy Comfort Food, Sorted!

Beans are a nutritional powerhouse! this best bean soup recipes ever dish is packed with protein and fibre. the perfect cheap healthy soup for a weeknight dinner, it's also a great way to use up those bits and bobs in the fridge.

But honestly? it's just downright delicious.

Gathering 'Round the Ingredients

Listen, this ain’t no fussy recipe. the basic ingredient is a mix of 15 different beans. but you know what? it's totally customisable.

You can throw in whatever beans tickle your fancy if you can’t find a 15-bean mix. you could use the cowboy pinto bean soup , it fits nicely.

Then comes the usual suspects: onions, carrots, celery, garlic. You know, the aromatic trifecta. Oh my gosh, I can already smell the deliciousness cooking.

Next, the flavour boosters. smoked ham hock adds that irresistible smoky depth. but if you're veggie, don't fret! just skip it.

A can of diced tomatoes brings a touch of brightness, while thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika add a warm, earthy complexity.

Finally, a bay leaf. A secret weapon to give your Pinto Beans In Crockpot a wonderful taste. Don't skip it!

Now, about those soaking shenanigans. you can soak the beans overnight for quicker cooking. however, you can skip the pre-soaking.

Just be prepared to simmer the soup for a bit longer until the beans are tender. honestly, soaking can prevent the creation of gas which will make you uncomfortable.

Right, next let's get cooking!

Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this soul soothing 15 bean soup recipe !

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, so this is where the magic really happens. first, you'll need 1 pound (454g) of a dry 15-bean mix.

Make sure you rinse those babies really well! i can't stress that enough. trust me, you don’t want any dirt in your soup, you know?

Next up, water. you'll need 8 cups (1.9l) . don't skimp on the water. speaking of, quality indicators, eh? the quality of your water matters! just make sure it's good drinking water, not some dodgy stuff from a well.

You will also need 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil. olive oil? sure, but any cooking oil will do. next, chop up 1 large yellow onion (about 1 cup).

Seriously, the smell of sauteing onions is one of my favourite things, honestly. now let’s move onto veggies: 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks (about ¾ cup each).

Lastly 2 cloves of garlic , minced (approx. 2 teaspoons). oh my gosh, garlic!

Then, for a meaty vibe (totally optional), snag 8 ounces (227g) of smoked ham hock. if you don't have that, about 1 cup of chopped cooked ham will do the trick.

Bacon? hell yes! about 6 slices , cooked and crumbled. we also need 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can of diced tomatoes , undrained.

Don’t drain them! you need that liquid gold!

Seasoning Notes

Alright, let's talk spices. you need 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano . they are the soul of the soup.

1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika gives it that oomph . don’t forget 1 bay leaf ! seriously, don’t forget it. and of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

But be careful with the salt. seriously, you can always add more later.

Flavor enhancers? A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can really brighten things up. I've also been known to sneak in a little bit of Worcestershire sauce. Shhh!

Equipment Needed

Okay, keep it simple. You will need a big pot. Like, a 6-quart or larger Dutch oven . Seriously, the size matters. Don't try to cram it all into a tiny saucepan.

You'll also need a chopping board and a good chef’s knife. measuring cups and spoons because, you know, baking is a science.

And a colander for rinsing the beans. you don't want any dusty beans in your beautiful best bean soup recipes ever , do you?.

Now, let me tell you about substitutions. big tip that makes my mexican tomato recipes a hit, a splash of lime at the end brightens the flavours.

No proper pots? a slow cooker will work just as nicely, like pinto beans in crockpot but it won't hurt your cheap healthy soup too.

Cozy & Hearty 15 Bean Soup: Your Grandma's Secret (Almost!)

Honestly, is there anything better than a big bowl of soup on a cold day? especially when it's packed with flavour and goodness .

This 15 bean soup recipe is a classic for a reason. it's hearty, healthy, and doesn't break the bank. i remember my nan making this, and her secret? patience .

But don't worry, i've got some shortcuts to make it easier for you. get ready to experience the best bean soup recipes ever .

Prep Power: Getting Your Ducks (and Beans) in a Row

Before you even think about turning on the stove, let's get organised. this is your mise en place , darling.

First, give that 1 pound (454g) of 15-bean mix a good rinse. seriously, don't skip this step. then, chop your 1 large yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks .

Mince those 2 cloves of garlic , too. if you're adding ham or bacon, chop or crumble it now.

Time Saving Tip: Chop the veggies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It really does save some time!.

step-by-step to Bean Nirvana

1. Soak (Maybe): Ideally, soak the beans in water for at least 8 hours , or overnight. It helps with digestion. No time? Quick soak: boil for 2 minutes , then let sit for 1 hour ! Drain and rinse.
2. Sauté: Heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5- 7 minutes until soft. Add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant. This is where the magic starts.
3. Combine: Throw in the drained beans, 8 cups (1.9L) water , 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes , and ham hock (if using). Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , ½ teaspoon smoked paprika , 1 bay leaf , salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer (The Key): Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2- 3 hours . Seriously, low and slow . Stir occasionally.
5. Shred & Season: Remove ham hock, shred meat, return it to the soup. Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust! Maybe a little extra Mexican tomato recipes vibe?
6. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, top with parsley, sour cream or yogurt, and hot sauce.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

• Thicken It Up: Want a creamy texture? Mash some beans or use an immersion blender at the end. You know? Refried bean soup style.
• Salt Savvy: Wait until the end to add salt. The ham can be quite salty, and you don't want to overdo it.
• make-ahead Magic: This soup is amazing the next day. Flavours meld and intensify. It's a winner for meal prep. Pinto beans in crockpot version rocks!.

And there you have it. a truly cheap healthy soup , that's filling and flavourful. whether you're after refried beans soup recipes or a simple bowl of white beans soup , this 15 bean soup recipe has got you covered.

And remember, don't stress if it's not perfect the first time. cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you.

Enjoy!

Okay, let's get into the nitty gritty of this glorious 15 bean soup recipe ! honestly, the best part about recipes like this is how flexible they are.

Don't sweat it if you don't have exactly what's listed.

Recipe Notes

Serving It Up Right

Listen, plating doesn't have to be fancy. but a little love goes a long way. i like to ladle the soup into rustic bowls.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders. a dollop of sour cream? oh my gosh, yes! if you're feeling extra , a swirl of hot sauce adds a nice kick.

Regarding sides? i'm all about the classics. we can't forget about the best bean soup recipes ever. think cornbread! also, a good crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that delicious broth is spot on.

Want something to wash it down with? i reckon an ice-cold sweet tea would be lovely, especially with all that flavor!

Keep It Fresh (Or Freeze It!)

So, you've made a big batch of this 15 bean soup recipe . what to do with the leftovers? refrigeration is your friend.

This soup keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge. just make sure it's in an airtight container. now, if you're thinking long term, freezing is the way to go.

Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers. it will last for up to 3 months. when reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Then, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Mix It Up

Want to put your own spin on this 15 bean soup recipe ? go for it! for a dietary adaptation, make it vegan.

Just skip the ham hock and use vegetable stock instead of water. trust me, it's still delicious! we can also adapt this recipe to your favorite mexican tomato recipes.

Regarding seasonal swaps, i love adding roasted butternut squash in the fall for a bit of sweetness.

Nutrition Talk (The Easy Version)

Let's keep this simple. this soup is good for you. it's packed with fiber and protein. this keeps you full and happy.

The cowboy pinto bean soup, another variation of the refried bean soup recipes, also offers similar health benefits. one bowl has a good amount of vitamins and minerals, too! it's also a great, cheap healthy soup .

I love it for helping me feel full and not spend too much dough.

So there you have it! All my notes on this wonderful 15 bean soup recipe . Now, get in the kitchen and get cooking! Enjoy this hearty treat! I know you'll find it's one of the best refried bean soup recipes you've ever tried!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really necessary to soak the beans for this 15 bean soup recipe? It seems like a faff!

While soaking the beans overnight isn't strictly necessary, like queuing for Wimbledon tickets, it's highly recommended! Soaking helps to reduce cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest, potentially preventing any, ahem, unpleasant side effects.

If you're short on time, use the quick soak method (boil, then rest), but be prepared for a longer simmering time if you skip soaking altogether.

Can I make this 15 bean soup recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. In an Instant Pot, sauté the vegetables using the "Sauté" function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Just remember, with the Instant Pot, less liquid evaporates, so you might want to use slightly less water initially.

What if I don't have a 15-bean mix? Can I still make a similar soup?

Of course! The "15" is more of a suggestion than a strict rule, a bit like how the "Great British Baking Show" doesn't actually require you to be British! You can create a similar hearty soup by using a variety of other dried beans like kidney, pinto, navy, black, and great northern beans.

Aim for a total of around 1 pound (454g) of mixed beans for the recipe.

How do I store leftover 15 bean soup, and how long will it last?

Leftover 15 bean soup is fantastic! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Like a good cheese or a well aged scotch, the flavors actually deepen and improve over time! You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

This soup is a bit bland. How can I boost the flavour of my 15 bean soup recipe?

Flavour lacking a bit of "oomph"? Don't fret! Firstly, ensure you've used enough salt and pepper; these are crucial. Consider adding a splash of vinegar (apple cider or balsamic) or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.

You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami, or a dollop of pesto stirred in at the end for herby freshness. Taste and adjust as you go, like adding herbs to a Sunday roast a little goes a long way!

Is 15 bean soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Absolutely! 15 bean soup is packed with goodness, a true "good for you" dish. It's an excellent source of plant based protein and fiber, which is great for digestion and keeping you feeling full. It's also low in fat (unless you've gone wild with the bacon!), and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

However, be mindful of the sodium content, especially if using processed meats or canned beans. As always, moderation is key, even with something healthy like this.