The Ultimate 15 Bean Soup

Warm up with the ultimate 15 bean soup recipe! Hearty, savory, and budget-friendly - perfect for a chilly night. Best bean soup recipes ever! Get the cozy recipe now.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever rummaged in the back of the cupboard and wondered what to do with all those forgotten bean bags? this 15 bean soup recipe is your answer.

Trust me, it’s the ultimate way to turn those odds and ends into a comforting, flavour-packed meal.

Brief Overview

This best bean soup recipes ever hails from the classic american tradition of hearty, home-style cooking. it's proper simple to knock up and mostly hands-off, needing around 4 hours to bubble away.

This recipe will give you enough to feed a hungry family or last you a good few days.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this soup is the fibre! it's fantastic for your gut and keeps you feeling full.

The cheap healthy soup is also brilliant for a rainy day or when you just want something comforting. honestly, it's a brilliant way to have a refried bean soup .

What makes this recipe special is its adaptability. chuck in whatever beans you fancy, and it'll still taste amazing!

Right then, are you ready to dive into the ingredients?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to nail this 15 bean soup recipe . Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward!

Ingredients & Equipment: Gear Up for Bean Bliss!

Think of this as your treasure hunt list. Once you have these, you're golden.

Main Ingredients: The Bean Dream Team

We're talking about the heart and soul of the best bean soup recipes ever : the beans themselves.

• 1 pound (450g) of a 15-bean soup mix. You can find these pre-mixed at most supermarkets. Honestly, any mix of dried beans works!

• 1 large yellow onion , chopped. About 1 1/2 cups. Look for firm onions without soft spots.

• 2 carrots , chopped. Roughly 1 cup. Go for bright orange carrots, not limp ones.

• 2 celery stalks , chopped. Aim for 1 cup. Celery should snap crisply.

• 2 cloves garlic , minced. Fresh is always best!

• 1 smoked ham hock . About 1-1.5 pounds . Look for one that smells smoky and has decent meat on it.

• 8 cups (2 liters) of chicken broth. Low-sodium is a good shout, so you can control the saltiness.

• 2 cups (500ml) of water. Tap water is just fine, unless yours tastes funky.

I've had times when I forgot the ham hock. It can still work! But it won't have that amazing rich taste.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (or Soup!)

These are the flavour boosters that will make your soup sing.

• Essential spice combo: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. That paprika gives it a Cowboy Pinto Bean Soup vibe!

• Bay leaf: 1. This unassuming leaf adds depth. Don't forget to remove it before serving!

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper : To taste. Season generously, but gradually.

For a Mexican Tomato Recipes twist, consider adding a tin of diced tomatoes and a touch of chili powder.

Honestly, sometimes I just chuck in a bit of Italian seasoning and call it a day. Don't tell anyone!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy gadgets. Let's just get the basics.

• A large pot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart capacity). You can also use a Pinto Beans In Crockpot .

• Colander. For rinsing the beans. Vital!

• Measuring cups and spoons. Pretty self-explanatory.

• Knife and cutting board. To chop those veggies.

• Common household alternative: If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy-bottomed pot will do just fine.

Don't stress if you don't have the exact right gear. it's about the love (and beans!), not the equipment. this makes a comforting refried bean soup .

There are so many refried bean soup recipes ! it's also considered a cheap healthy soup . you can even make a white beans soup .

Alright, let's talk 15 bean soup recipe ! i reckon everyone needs a good bean soup in their repertoire. it's proper cheap, proper hearty, and dead easy to make.

I always chuck a load on during the colder months. makes you all warm inside, know what i mean? and it's healthy too!

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , yeah? proper chef talk. chop your onion, carrots, and celery. mince the garlic.

Measure out your spices. get everything ready so you're not scrambling about later. seriously, it saves time and stress. think of it as your cooking feng shui, that's what makes it one of the best bean soup recipes ever !

• Essential mise en place : Dice onion, carrots and celery, mince garlic and measure spices.
• Time-saving tips : Chop veg the night before. I tell you, my life changed since I learned how to meal prep.
• Safety : Don’t cut yourself! Sharp knives are great, but respect them.

Step-by-Step: From Beans to Bliss

Right, let’s get cooking. This is where the magic happens. It's way easier than you think.

1. Soak those beans: Rinse your dried beans then soak overnight (8- 12 hours). This is key, don't skip it . Drain and rinse.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Get your pot on medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots and celery until soft (5- 7 mins). Add garlic, cook another minute.
3. Beans and broth: Add rinsed beans, ham hock, broth, water, thyme, oregano, paprika, and bay leaf. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer, baby, simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 3- 4 hours or until the beans are tender.
5. Shred the ham (optional): Take out the ham hock. Cool slightly, then shred. Discard bone and fat.
6. Adjust thickness: Want it thinner? Add more broth. Thicker? Use an immersion blender for a Refried Bean Soup .
7. Add ham and season: Return shredded ham. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve up! Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread.

You know, I actually made this once when my flatmate was feeling down. Bit of a Cheap Healthy Soup to cheer him up. Worked a treat!

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen

Want to elevate your bean soup? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.

• Smoked paprika is your friend . Seriously, this adds a depth of flavor that's unreal. Think of it when you are preparing Mexican Tomato Recipes !
• Don’t over-salt! Ham hocks are salty devils. Taste as you go, yeah?
• Make it ahead . Soups are always better the next day. Flavors meld. Make-ahead options always come in clutch!

Honestly, this 15 bean soup recipe is a winner. warm, comforting, and good for you. give it a go, and let me know what you think! it’s great with all kinds of beans but, if you are looking for options, why not search for "cowboy pinto bean soup, pinto beans in crockpot, refried beans soup, refried bean soup recipes, or white beans soup".

You might discover something new! i'm sure it will be one of the best bean soup recipes ever .

Alright, so you've got your pot bubbling away with this glorious 15 bean soup recipe . But what about all the little extras? Let's get into it.

Recipe Notes

This ain't just a "chuck it all in and hope for the best" kinda soup. Well, it kinda is, but these notes will make it even better.

Serving Suggestions: Get Fancy (or Don't!)

Plating wise, think rustic. a nice big bowl, maybe a swirl of cream or a dollop of greek yogurt. honestly, anything goes.

My trick to turn my best bean soup recipes ever from bland to grand: a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley always makes it look legit.

Complementary sides? you can't go wrong with crusty bread for dunking – seriously, it's mandatory! and how about a nice mexican tomato recipes inspired salad on the side?

Storage Tips: Making it Last

If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), let the soup cool completely. then, stick it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. feeling ambitious? this soup freezes like a dream. portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it'll be ready for a chilly night.

Reheating is easy – just pop it in a pot on the stove or microwave it. if it's thickened up, add a splash of broth or water.

I like to store this with my refried bean soup recipes and the white beans soup for a rainy day!

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Want to make it vegetarian? easy peasy! swap the ham hock for smoked paprika and use vegetable broth. refried bean soup is also a great base if you are looking for some creative inspiration.

For a seasonal twist, add some roasted butternut squash in the autumn or some fresh corn in the summer. you know how it is! got pinto beans in crockpot , chuck'em!

Nutrition Basics: Good for the Soul (and Body)

Okay, so i'm no nutritionist, but this soup is packed with fibre (thanks to all those beans!). it’s also a good source of protein and vitamins.

Plus, it's a cheap healthy soup , which is always a win. just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you're using store-bought broth.

This should give a nice healthy boost, like other cowboy pinto bean soup .

Honestly? this 15 bean soup recipe is one of my absolute favourites. it's comforting, customisable, and it uses up all those random bits and bobs in the pantry.

Don't be afraid to experiment. you've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to soak the beans before making this 15 bean soup recipe? I'm a bit strapped for time.

While you can skip the soaking, ideally you want to soak the beans. Soaking helps to reduce the cooking time significantly and also makes the beans easier to digest, which means less… shall we say… musical side effects! If you're really in a pinch, try the quick-soak method: boil the beans in water for a couple of minutes, then let them sit for an hour before draining and rinsing.

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

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, sauté the veggies as directed, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Just remember to adjust the liquid levels as needed, as slow cookers and Instant Pots retain moisture better than stovetop cooking.

My 15 bean soup tastes a bit bland. How can I boost the flavour?

Right, let's get that flavour singing! First, ensure you've seasoned adequately with salt and pepper. You could also try adding a splash of vinegar (balsamic or red wine vinegar work well) for some acidity or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth. For a richer, smokier flavour, consider adding a smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke. Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices – a little cumin or coriander can work wonders!

How long does 15 bean soup last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

15 bean soup is a champ when it comes to leftovers! It will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Freezing is also a great option – portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace, and it will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Is this 15 bean soup recipe healthy?

You bet your bottom dollar! Bean soup is generally a very healthy meal! It's packed with fiber and protein, which keeps you feeling full and satisfied. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals. To keep it super healthy, be mindful of the amount of salt and fat you add. Choosing low-sodium broth and leaner cuts of meat can make it even better for you.

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