Hearty and Flavorful 15 Bean Soup Recipe – A Bowl of Comfort

Warm up your soul with this delicious and nutritious 15 Bean Soup recipe. Packed with a colorful variety of beans, aromatic spices, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying meal on a chilly evening or looking for a hearty dish to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to please. So grab a ladle and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure warmth and goodness!

Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 8 hours (includes soaking time for beans)
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Serving: 8
Yield: Approximately 12 cups
Calories: 300 per serving

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400g) 15-bean soup mix
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Strainer

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Soaking the Beans

1. Rinse the 15-bean soup mix under cold water and remove any debris or stones.
2. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
3. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans in a strainer.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

1. Heat the large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced red bell pepper to the pot.
3. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.

Step 3: Cooking the Soup

1. Add the soaked and rinsed beans to the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
3. Add the bay leaf, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6. Simmer the soup for approximately 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 4: Adjusting the Seasoning

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
2. Add more salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired.
3. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.

Step 5: Serving the 15 Bean Soup

1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
2. Serve with crusty bread or a side of cooked rice, if desired.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips and Tricks:

1. To save time, you can use canned beans instead of soaking and cooking the dried beans. Simply rinse and drain the canned beans before adding them to the soup.
2. Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, such as diced ham, bacon, or sausage.
3. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the cooked soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir well.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 300 per serving
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 17g
• Fiber: 15g

Final Thoughts:

Indulging in a warm bowl of 15 Bean Soup is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavors and wholesome goodness. This recipe offers a delightful combination of beans, vegetables, and spices, providing a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion. So gather your loved ones, savor the aroma filling your kitchen, and enjoy the nourishing and comforting experience this soup brings.

FAQ:

Can I use different beans for this 15 Bean Soup?
Yes, you can experiment with different bean varieties or even use a pre-packaged 15-bean soup mix available at your local grocery store.

Can I make this 15 Bean Soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers of this 15 Bean Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I add meat to this 15 Bean Soup recipe?
Certainly! You can enhance the soup by adding diced ham, bacon, or sausage. Simply cook the meat before adding the vegetables and proceed with the recipe.

Can I adjust the spiciness of this 15 Bean Soup?
Absolutely! The cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it if desired.

Can I use vegetable stock instead of vegetable broth in this 15 Bean Soup?
Yes, vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for vegetable broth. The flavors might vary slightly, but it will still result in a delicious soup.

Can I make this 15 Bean Soup recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables in a pan before transferring them to the slow cooker along with the soaked beans, tomatoes, spices, and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I add other vegetables to this 15 Bean Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, kale, or corn, to make the soup even more nutritious and flavorful.

Can I make this 15 Bean Soup recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the vegetable broth and canned ingredients you use are gluten-free.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned in this 15 Bean Soup recipe?
Certainly! If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can replace the canned diced tomatoes with approximately 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.

Can I use an instant pot for this 15 Bean Soup recipe?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an instant pot. Sauté the vegetables using the sauté function, then add the soaked beans, tomatoes, spices, and broth. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Can I make this 15 Bean Soup recipe spicy?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier soup, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add additional chili flakes or hot sauce to your liking.

Can I substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth in this 15 Bean Soup recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer. It will impart a slightly different flavor to the soup.

Can I add herbs to this 15 Bean Soup recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to add an extra layer of flavor to the soup.

Can I use an immersion blender to blend the soup in this 15 Bean Soup recipe?
Yes, you can use an immersion blender if you prefer a creamier texture. Blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot until you reach the desired consistency.