15 Bean Soup

“15 Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines a variety of beans with aromatic vegetables, savory seasonings, and a flavorful smoked ham bone. Slow-cooked to perfection, this soup is rich in both texture and taste, making it a satisfying meal on its own or paired with crusty bread.

Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious batch of homemade 15 Bean Soup that’s sure to warm you up any day of the year.”

How to make 15 Bean Soup

Ingredients:

20 oz 15 bean blend (picked over and rinsed)

1 medium onion (diced)

6 cloves garlic (minced)

4 carrots (sliced into rounds (approx. 2 cups))

4 stalks celery (chopped (approx. 1 cup))

1 smoked ham bone

1 tsp cracked pepper (coarsely ground)

2 tsp dried thyme ( )

2 bay leaves

1/4 cup soy sauce ( )

6 cups chicken stock

14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

Instructions:

Add beans to a large bowl or pot, and cover with 8 cups of water. Leave overnight. Discard the soaking water.

Combine onion, garlic, carrots, celery, black pepper, thyme, bay leaf, soy sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes in slow cooker. Add the hambone in too.

Add beans to slow cooker, mix well, and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Remove ham bone and bay leaves from soup, discard.

Devour.

Notes:

What are the beans in 15 Bean Soup Mix?

Whew!! There are a lot! The brand I buy contains northern, pinto, large lima, blackeye, garbanzo, baby lima, green split, kidney, cranberry, small white, pink, small red, yellow split, lentil, navy, white kidney, black, yellow eye.

What is a mirepoix?

It’s the combination of carrots, onion, and celery. Carrots, onion and celery form the basis of many soups. The “Holy Trinity” is onions, celery and bell peppers.

Is 15 bean soup good for you?

Well, yes – but that honestly depends on your diet and nutrition goals. I’ve listed the nutrition under the recipe card, but briefly – bean soup is a great source of protein, and is high in fiber.

Can I make this ahead?

YES! I like to put all the ingredients except for the ham bone and beans in a slow cooker, pop the lid on and put it in the fridge. Add the ham bone and soaked beans in the morning. Easy!

I don’t have a ham bone – what can I use instead?

Some chopped ham steaks, leftover ham, anything you can find! I do love the flavor of a leftover ham bone (from Easter, perhaps), but have been known to sub in a smoked ham hock that I’ve gotten from the butcher.

Can this crock pot soup be frozen after cooking?

Absolutely. It does exceptionally well when stored correctly. I portion it into pints, and freeze for up to 6 months. Whatever you are using – make sure to leave a little room at the top as things expand when frozen! To eat – just thaw in the refrigerator and then cook in the microwave until piping hot. Alternatively, you can store in zipper bags, and lay it flat in the freezer! It takes a lot less time to thaw, but you will need to then transfer to a saucepan for stove-top reheating, or a microwave safe bowl.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of a ham bone?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage, bacon, or even smoked turkey for a different flavor profile.

Is there a quick method to soak the beans if I didn’t plan ahead for the overnight soak?

Yes, you can use the quick soak method.

Bring the beans and water to a boil, then let them sit for an hour before discarding the water.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely, vegetable broth can be used to make this soup vegetarian.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes.

Use about 1.5 cups of diced fresh tomatoes as a replacement for the canned ones.

How crucial is the soy sauce to the flavor of the soup?

Soy sauce adds depth and umami to the soup, but you can omit it if you prefer or have dietary restrictions.

Can I cook this soup on high heat for a shorter time?

While it’s best to cook on low for the full duration for optimal flavor, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours if you’re pressed for time.

What other herbs can I use if I don’t have thyme?

Rosemary, oregano, or marjoram can be used as substitutes for thyme.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion.

What side dishes pair well with 15 bean soup?

Crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments to this hearty soup.