Description
15 Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining a variety of beans, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a flavorful, savory broth. This soup is incredibly filling and full of plant-based protein, making it a perfect dish for any time of the year. With its rich taste and customizable options, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a warming meal on a cold day or a wholesome, nutritious option for meal prep, this soup delivers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag of 15 bean soup mix (variety of beans such as pinto, kidney, navy, and lima beans)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1–2 smoked ham hocks or bacon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and Soak the Beans: Sort and rinse the dried beans. If soaking, cover them with water and let them sit overnight, or use the quick soak method (boil for 2 minutes, then cover and let sit for 1 hour).
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Beans and Broth: Add the soaked beans to the pot, then pour in the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, ensuring beans are fully submerged. Add smoked ham hock or bacon (optional).
- Season the Soup: Add thyme, bay leaves, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and the broth thickens.
- Add Tomatoes and Final Seasoning: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the diced tomatoes. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the bay leaves and any large pieces of meat. Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (if beans are soaked overnight)