Hearty 15 Bean Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food Lovers

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever savored a bowl of warm, hearty soup that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly day? 15 Bean Soup is one such dish, bursting with flavor and comfort. This delightful medley of beans creates a rich, satisfying meal that not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul.

As the aromatic spices mingle with the tender beans, the essence of home-cooked goodness fills your kitchen. Picture gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories as you enjoy this delicious soup together. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for busy weeks, 15 Bean Soup promises to delight your taste buds with every spoonful. Get ready to embark on an incredible culinary journey that will make your heart sing and your belly happy!

Key Ingredients For 15 Bean Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• 15 Bean Mix: You can find pre-packaged 15 bean mixes at most grocery stores; they typically include various legumes like pinto, black, and kidney beans.
• Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth for a flavorful base without overwhelming saltiness.
• Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup; chop it finely for even cooking.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and flavor; use about four cloves minced for optimal taste.
• Carrots: Slice two medium carrots for sweetness and texture; they complement the beans beautifully.
• Celery Stalks: Two chopped celery stalks add crunch and freshness to the mix; they balance out the flavors well.
• Canned Tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes brings acidity and richness; opt for fire-roasted for extra depth.
• Spices: Use bay leaves, thyme, cumin, and pepper to season your soup; these spices elevate the overall flavor profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For 15 Bean Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Prep Your Beans

Begin by rinsing the dried beans thoroughly under cold water. Soak them in water overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling them for two minutes and letting them sit for one hour before draining.

Second Step : Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once heated, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until they’re tender—about five minutes should do.

Third Step : Add Broth and Beans

Pour in six cups of vegetable broth along with your soaked beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then add diced tomatoes along with their juices.

Fourth Step : Season Your Soup

Toss in your selected spices: bay leaves, thyme, cumin, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about one hour or until beans are tender.

Fifth Step : Adjust Seasoning

After an hour of simmering, taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serve suggestion: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness!

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Soaking Time: Proper soaking helps soften the beans so they cook evenly; don’t skip this step!
• Add Heat: If you enjoy spiciness, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers store well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days; reheat gently on the stove.

With these instructions and tips at hand, you’re all set to create a comforting bowl of 15 Bean Soup that will surely impress! Enjoy this hearty meal any time you’re craving something deliciously satisfying.

Cooking Instructions

To create a hearty and flavorful 15 Bean Soup, follow these simple steps. Begin by rinsing the beans thoroughly under cold water. Soaking them overnight helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again.

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about five minutes or until they become tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Next, add the soaked beans to the pot along with vegetable broth or water. Season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and your choice of herbs like thyme or rosemary. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the soup for one to two hours until the beans are tender.

For extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or cooked sausage during the last half hour of cooking. Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning adjustments before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious 15 Bean Soup works beautifully with various accompaniments:

• Crispy Bread: Serve warm crusty bread on the side for dipping.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness.
• Cheese Topping: A sprinkle of grated cheese adds richness to each serving.

Nutritional Benefits

The 15 Bean Soup offers numerous health benefits thanks to its rich combination of legumes. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber which can help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full longer. Additionally, they contain important vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium that support overall health.

This soup is also naturally low in fat while being high in antioxidants due to various herbs and vegetables used in the recipe. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious meal option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Storage Tips

Storing your leftover 15 Bean Soup is easy! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for extended storage.

When freezing soup, consider portioning it into smaller containers for convenience. Reheating is simple; just place it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in individual servings.

Ensure you stir well during reheating as some ingredients may settle at the bottom.

FAQs

What types of beans are used in 15 Bean Soup?

The name “15 Bean Soup” refers to a blend of various dried beans that typically includes pinto beans, navy beans, black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and more. This combination not only creates a diverse texture but also provides a rich flavor profile that makes this soup so satisfying. Many grocery stores sell pre-packaged mixes labeled as “15 Bean Soup,” making it easy to get started on your culinary adventure without needing to buy each type separately.

Can I make 15 Bean Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt 15 Bean Soup into a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any meat products like sausage or ham hocks. The beans themselves provide ample protein and fiber, ensuring that your soup remains hearty and filling while staying plant-based.

How can I spice up my 15 Bean Soup?

If you’re looking to add extra flavor to your 15 Bean Soup, consider incorporating spices like cumin or paprika during cooking. Adding chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes can introduce some heat if desired. Additionally, serving with hot sauce on the side allows everyone to customize their spice level according to their taste preferences.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried ones?

Using canned beans is possible but will alter cooking times significantly since they are already soft. If you choose this route, simply skip soaking dry beans overnight and add canned beans during the last half hour of cooking just enough time to heat them through while allowing flavors from other ingredients to meld together beautifully in your delicious soup!