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.
If you’re using leftover ham or smoked sausage, these can be added later in the process along with the beans, so no pre-cooking is necessary. If you prefer, ground beef can also be browned and added for a heartier version of the soup.
3. Add Beans and Vegetables
Once the ham hock has simmered, add the rinsed and drained 15 Bean Soup mix. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Simmer the soup on low heat, covered, for about 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beans become tender.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices
After the beans have softened, stir in canned diced tomatoes (with juice), chili powder, and fresh lemon juice. If you’d like to add optional vegetables like carrots or celery, now is the time. Simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and the broth to thicken slightly.
5. Add the Seasoning Packet
Just before serving, stir in the seasoning packet that came with the 15 Bean Soup mix. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier soup, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Tips for Perfect 15 Bean Soup
- Soaking Beans: Soaking beans overnight can reduce cooking time and remove some of the complex sugars that cause digestive discomfort. However, if you’re short on time, soaking is optional. Just add an extra cup of liquid and extend the cooking time by about 45-60 minutes.
- Acidic Ingredients: Always add acidic ingredients like tomatoes and lemon juice after the beans have softened. Adding them too early can prevent the beans from cooking properly.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, remove about 1 cup of cooked beans and broth, puree them in a blender, and return the mixture to the pot. Alternatively, you can mash some beans with a potato masher directly in the pot.
- Serving Suggestions: This hearty soup pairs perfectly with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread for a complete and comforting meal.
Storing and Reheating 15 Bean Soup
This 15 Bean Soup is excellent for meal prep because it stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- In the Fridge: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- In the Freezer: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Nutritional Information
This 15 Bean Soup recipe is not only filling but also nutritious. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 268
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 137mg
- Potassium: 1019mg
Enjoy Your Homemade 15 Bean Soup
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade 15 Bean Soup to keep you warm and satisfied. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or freeze it for later, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. With its combination of hearty beans, tender ham, and vibrant veggies, it’s both nutritious and delicious—a true comfort food classic.
