Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for 15 bean soup! This hearty, nutritious dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I mean, who wouldn’t want a steaming bowl filled with a delightful mix of beans, veggies, and spices? It’s packed with flavor and protein, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s super easy to make! I often whip up a big batch on Sundays, and it lasts me through the week. The best part? You can customize it however you like! Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for 15 Bean Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delicious 15 bean soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 bag of 15 bean mix: This is the star of the show! You can usually find it in the dry beans section of your grocery store. Each bean adds its own unique flavor and texture.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion works best. It adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 2 carrots, diced: Fresh carrots bring a lovely sweetness and color to the mix. I like to cut them into small pieces for even cooking.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery adds a nice crunch and aromatic flavor that complements the beans beautifully.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: You can never go wrong with garlic! It adds a punch of flavor that makes the soup irresistible.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): These provide a little acidity and brightness. I love the added flavor from the juices!
- 6 cups vegetable broth: Use good quality broth for the best flavor. You can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds an earthy flavor. Feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Cumin brings a warm, slightly smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the beans.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go! Seasoning is key to bringing out all those wonderful flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is for sautéing the vegetables and adds a lovely richness to the soup.
Now that you have everything ready, you’re all set to create a comforting pot of deliciousness!
How to Prepare 15 Bean Soup
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up, let’s dive into making this delicious 15 bean soup! Trust me, the process is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Here we go!
Rinsing and Soaking the Beans
First things first, you’ll want to rinse the 15 bean mix under cold water to wash away any dirt or debris. Then, soak those beans overnight in a large bowl of water. This step is crucial for ensuring the beans cook evenly and achieve that perfect tender texture. If you’re short on time, a quick soak method works too—just boil the beans for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let them sit covered for an hour. But I really recommend the overnight soak for the best results!
Sautéing the Vegetables
Once your beans are ready, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Wow, the aroma will start to fill your kitchen! Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking or browning too much. This base adds so much flavor to your soup!
Cooking the Soup
Next, add in the minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute—don’t let it burn! Now, it’s time to combine everything: add the soaked beans, can of diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and cumin. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and enjoy the delightful scents wafting through your home. You’ll know it’s ready when the beans are tender and the soup is thickened just right. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set to serve up a hearty bowl of goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This 15 bean soup is a meal in itself! It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it super satisfying.
- Nutritious Goodness: With a colorful mix of beans and veggies, you’re getting loads of vitamins and minerals in every bowl.
- Easy to Make: The steps are simple, and it doesn’t require any fancy techniques. If I can do it, so can you!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully and tastes even better after a day in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping!
- Vegan-Friendly: It’s completely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy it, no matter their dietary preferences.
Tips for Success
To make sure your 15 bean soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my best tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Soak Those Beans: Don’t skip the soaking step! It’s essential for achieving that tender texture. If you’re in a pinch, the quick soak method works, but overnight soaking is truly the way to go for optimal flavor and softness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to suit your preferences. A little extra cumin or thyme can elevate the flavor immensely!
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: When sautéing, aim for softened veggies without letting them brown too much. This keeps the vibrant colors and fresh flavors intact!
- Simmer Gently: A slow simmer is key. It allows the beans to cook evenly and lets all those lovely flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, it gives your kitchen that cozy aroma!
- Texture Matters: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a few beans against the side of the pot with a spoon and stir them back in. It gives the soup a wonderful creamy consistency without adding any dairy!
- Storage Tips: This soup freezes wonderfully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch! Just let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll be a lifesaver on busy days!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up an incredible pot of 15 bean soup that your friends and family will rave about. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this delightful 15 bean soup! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so these values are approximate. But here’s what you can typically expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This soup is not only hearty and filling but also a treasure trove of nutrients! With a good balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to eat well. Enjoy every spoonful knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients!
FAQ About 15 Bean Soup
I totally get that you might have some questions about making this delicious 15 bean soup! Let me answer some of the most common ones to help you out.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the soup. If you go this route, reduce the cooking time since the beans are already cooked.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover 15 bean soup stores beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I make this soup spicy?
Oh, for sure! If you like a little kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the vegetables. You can also stir in some hot sauce to taste at the end. Spice it up to your heart’s content!
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water or chicken broth if you’re not sticking strictly to a vegan diet. Just be aware that using water will result in a less flavorful soup, so I recommend adding a bit more seasoning if you go that route.
Do I need to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking the beans is highly recommended for the best texture, but if you’re in a rush, you can use the quick soak method. Just boil the beans for 2 minutes and let them sit covered for about an hour. However, overnight soaking really does work wonders!
Can I add meat to the soup?
Definitely! If you want to add some meat for extra heartiness, diced ham or sausage works wonderfully. Just add it when you sauté the vegetables to let those flavors meld together beautifully!
What else can I serve with 15 bean soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some cornbread! It makes for a cozy, complete meal that’s great for sharing with friends and family.
I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making your 15 bean soup! If you have any other questions, just let me know! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious 15 bean soup ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a complete and satisfying meal! Trust me, these pairings will take your cozy soup experience to the next level.
- Crusty Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty baguette or some homemade sourdough. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up all that flavorful broth!
- Fresh Salad: A light, vibrant salad adds a nice contrast to the hearty soup. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette to brighten things up!
- Grilled Cheese: For a comforting twist, serve your soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The melty cheese pairs perfectly with the savory beans.
- Cornbread: Nothing says comfort like a slice of cornbread! Its slight sweetness complements the savory flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Pickled Vegetables: If you’re looking for a bit of zing, consider serving some tangy pickled vegetables on the side. They’ll add a delightful crunch and acidity!
Mix and match these suggestions based on your mood and what you have on hand. The key is to enjoy your meal with good company and a cozy atmosphere. Happy eating!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out this paprika soup recipe or this traditional Polish grits soup.
Z nadrukami
15 Bean Soup: 5 Irresistible Secrets You Must Know
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A hearty and nutritious 15 bean soup packed with flavor.
Składniki
- 1 bag of 15 bean mix
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instrukcje
- Rinse the 15 bean mix and soak overnight.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add soaked beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Uwagi
- This soup can be made in a slow cooker.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Freeze leftovers for later use.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 hours
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 200
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 400mg
- Kwasy: 4g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 0.5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 10g
- Białko: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: 15 bean soup, bean soup, hearty soup, vegetarian soup