When cooler weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of 15 Bean Soup to satisfy your hunger and keep you cozy. This hearty, healthy soup is perfect for filling up on a chilly day, packed with protein-rich beans, tender ham, and a medley of flavorful vegetables. This dish is also incredibly budget-friendly, making it an ideal option for large families or meal prep. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this nourishing 15 Bean Soup recipe from scratch.
What Is 15 Bean Soup?
15 Bean Soup is a versatile and filling dish made from a mix of 15 different types of beans and lentils. The Hurst’s HamBeens® 15 BEAN SOUP® mix is a popular option that contains an assortment of beans like pinto beans, navy beans, baby lima beans, garbanzo beans, split peas, kidney beans, black beans, and more. This bean mix is paired with a seasoning packet to deliver an extra punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you choose to add leftover ham, smoked sausage, or a ham hock, this soup comes together beautifully, resulting in a meal that’s rich, savory, and completely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This 15 Bean Soup
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to whip up a delicious batch of 15 Bean Soup. With simple ingredients and a basic process, anyone can enjoy the hearty goodness of this soup.
- Budget-Friendly: Beans are an affordable superfood, low in fat and high in fiber. This soup can stretch your grocery budget while still delivering a nutritious meal.
- Great for Leftovers: The soup makes a large pot, perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It reheats well and can be frozen for later use.
- Perfect for Holiday Leftovers: Have leftover ham from a holiday meal? Use it in this soup for an easy, flavorful way to repurpose your leftovers.
Ingredients for 15 Bean Soup
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this easy bean soup recipe:
- 1 package Hurst’s HamBeens® 15 BEAN SOUP® mix (including the seasoning packet)
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock (or leftover ham or smoked sausage)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional Ingredients
- Carrots and celery (added during the last 30 minutes of cooking)
- Kale or spinach (stirred in at the end for extra nutrients)
How to Prepare 15 Bean Soup
1. Rinse and Sort the Beans
Start by rinsing the beans in cool water to remove any dust or debris. Sorting through the beans will ensure no pebbles or unwanted particles end up in your soup. Once cleaned, soaking the beans overnight can help reduce cooking time and make them more digestible, but it’s not necessary if you’re short on time.
2. Cook the Beans and Meat
In a large pot, add 4 cups of water and 4 cups of chicken broth. If you’re using a smoked ham hock, add it to the pot with the liquid. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the ham hock simmer for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
