Hearty and Healthy: 15 Bean Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, filling, and nutritious meal, look no further than 15 Bean Soup! This hearty dish is packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner. Whether you’re feeding a large family or prepping for the week ahead, this soup is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.

Why 15 Bean Soup?

The combination of 15 different beans provides a rich variety of textures and flavors, from creamy and soft to hearty and chewy. This diverse blend also makes for an incredibly nutritious dish, full of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples, and it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the 15 Bean Soup, you’ll need:

• 1 package of 15-bean soup mix (available at most grocery stores)
• 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth (you can use low-sodium broth for a healthier option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes (optional, for added richness)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: ham hock or smoked sausage (for a non-vegetarian version)

How to Make 15 Bean Soup:

1. Prep the Beans:
   Start by sorting through the beans in the package to remove any debris or broken beans. Then, rinse the beans under cold water. Some people like to soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry (just note that the soup may take a little longer to cook).

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Beans and Broth:
   To the pot, add the soaked (or unsoaked) beans, the bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring the soup to a boil. If you’re adding ham hock or smoked sausage, throw it in now to infuse the soup with rich, smoky flavor.

4. Simmer the Soup:
   Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened. If you added smoked sausage or ham hock, you can remove them at this stage, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.

5. Finish and Adjust Seasoning:
   After the beans are cooked and tender, stir in the canned diced tomatoes, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika, if desired.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the soup hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley, or a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping. This 15 bean soup is so filling and flavorful that it makes a perfect one-pot meal.

Customizing Your 15 Bean Soup:

This recipe is very adaptable! Here are a few ways you can mix it up:

• Add greens: Stir in some spinach, kale, or collard greens towards the end of cooking for an extra burst of nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
• Vegan or vegetarian? Simply omit the ham hock or sausage and use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.
• Add other veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes can easily be thrown in to give more flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love 15 Bean Soup:

• Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, it’s a healthy option that will fill you up without weighing you down.
• Budget-Friendly: Beans are incredibly affordable, and this recipe can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: 15 Bean Soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping.
• Comforting: There’s nothing like a bowl of hot, homemade soup to warm you up during cold weather.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a filling and healthy dinner, this 15 Bean Soup is a winner. With its versatility, rich flavors, and nutrient-packed beans, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s simple to make, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious, hearty 15 Bean Soup!