Hearty 15 Bean Soup - A Classic Comfort Food

Need a hug in a bowl? This easy 15 bean soup recipe is just the ticket! Hearty, flavourful & perfect for a chilly evening. Get the recipe now! ... Community Favorites
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of comfort in a bowl, love? This 15 bean soup recipe is just the ticket. It's packed with earthy flavors and a hint of smokiness.
Brief Overview
This classic soup originates from good ol' American kitchens. It's an easy recipe, taking about 2- 3 hours. This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
Beans are a fantastic source of fiber, so this soup is mega healthy. it's perfect for a chilly evening or a lazy weekend lunch.
Honestly, this recipe is special because it's so versatile and forgiving.
Whip Up Comfort: Let's Talk Beans!
Right then, are you ready to jump into this hearty 15 bean soup recipe ? it's a hug in a bowl, especially when the weather's a bit grim outside.
Plus, it's bloomin' easy to make!
All About That Bean Life
This easy 15 bean soup recipe is proper traditional. we're talking about a one-pot wonder brimming with flavour. it is a simple dish that gives back plenty and its origins can be traced back to the heart of american home cooking.
Prep Time's a Breeze
Honestly, you’ll only need about 25 minutes to chop the veggies. then, the simmering does all the hard work for you! you can even make vegetarian 15 bean soup by skipping the ham.
Why This Soup Rocks
It's packed with protein and fiber. Plus, you can chuck it all in the Instant Pot for a super-fast Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup With Ham Hock ! So what are you waiting for? Get ready to dive into the world of Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipes !
Right then, let's talk ingredients for this absolutely stonking 15 bean soup recipe . Trust me, it's easier than doing your taxes.
Hearty 15 Bean Soup - A Classic Comfort Food Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Honestly, a good 15 bean soup recipe is all about the beans. And a bit of patience.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) 15-bean mix , rinsed. Now, quality matters here. Look for a mix that looks vibrant. Avoid dusty-looking beans.
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) water , plus extra for soaking, if you're not using the Hurst Beans Instant Pot cheat.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil . Any decent olive oil will do.
- 1 large onion , chopped (about 1 cup, 150g). Yellow or white, whatever you've got.
- 2 carrots , chopped (about 1 cup, 150g). Just normal carrots, mate.
- 2 celery stalks , chopped (about 1 cup, 150g). Don’t skip these!
- 2 cloves garlic , minced (about 2 teaspoons, 10g). Fresh is always best!
- 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound/450g) OR 6 slices bacon , diced. If you’re looking for a ham hock substitute bean soup , try smoked sausage.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar). This adds a lovely tang.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Fireworks
Spices make or break a dish, you know?
- Essential Spice Combo: 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme , 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano , and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika . This trio is your base.
- Flavor Enhancers: 1 bay leaf . Don't forget to fish it out later! Salt and pepper to taste. Go easy on the salt at first, because that Ham Hock is salty already.
- Quick Substitutions: If you don't have smoked paprika, use regular. Add a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat if you fancy.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
No need for fancy gadgets for this Easy 15 bean soup recipe .
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven . At least 6-quart/6-liter capacity.
- Measuring cups and spoons . Obvious, innit?
- Cutting board & Chef's knife . For chopping those veggies.
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula . For stirring.
If you're doing the instant pot 15 bean soup with ham hock route, obviously you need a pressure cooker. you can also find some great insta pot bean soup recipes online, but i reckon my version is better.
If you don't have an instant pot use your pressure cooker bean soup or you can try with a slow cooker 15 bean soup
So, there you have it. Easy peasy. Now go get your ingredients and we'll get cooking!

Let's Make Some Proper 15 Bean Soup, Yeah?
Fancy a bowl of comfort? this 15 bean soup recipe is just the ticket, love. seriously, this is my go-to when the weather's a bit rubbish, which, let's face it, is most of the time! it's like a big hug in a bowl.
And honestly, it's surprisingly easy to whip up. i’ve adapted this from allrecipes.com, after trying my hand on bean soup instant pot recipes .
I've had so many epic fails in the kitchen. remember that time i tried making a soufflé? disaster! but this soup? foolproof.
And it's a great way to use up all those bits and bobs lurking in the pantry.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Time
First, the mise en place , as they say in fancy restaurants! roughly chop your veg. it doesn't need to be perfect.
You’ve got your onion, carrots, and celery. mince the garlic. this part's actually quite therapeutic, isn't it? rinse those 1 pound (450g) beans like your life depends on it, and get everything else measured out.
It really does make cooking so much easier when you have everything sorted beforehand. time saving tip: if you're using bacon instead of a ham hock, dice it now.
From Zero to Hero: Step-by-Step to Soup Bliss
Right, let's get cooking.
- Soak those beans! Ideally overnight. Or use the quick-soak method for 1 hour. Drain and rinse them.
- Sauté your Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil in your stockpot. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5- 7 minutes until soft. Add garlic for another minute.
- Add Beans and Ham Hock (or Bacon): Bung in the beans, 1 smoked ham hock (approx. 1 pound/450g) or bacon, 8 cups (1.9 liters) water, 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme, 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano, ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika, and 1 bay leaf . Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2- 3 hours. If using a ham hock, shred the meat after 2 hours .
- Finish: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar. Taste and season again.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls. Boom!
Proper Chef Tips and Tricks
Honestly, the secret to a great 15 bean soup recipe is time. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes. And don't scrimp on the seasoning!
If you're using bacon instead of a ham hock, render the bacon fat first. This adds loads of flavour. For a vegetarian version , ditch the ham hock and use vegetable broth.
You can get creative with your 15 bean soup variations . some people like to add diced tomatoes. i sometimes throw in a bit of chilli for a kick.
Make it your own! did you know that beans are one of the oldest cultivated plants? archeological evidence suggests that people have been eating beans for over 10,000 years.
Recipe Notes for the Best 15 Bean Soup Recipe EVER
Right then, let’s talk about those little extras that can take your 15 bean soup recipe from good to oh-my-gosh-amazing .
Honestly, even a simple dish like this has room for a bit of flair! this is not some kind of insta pot bean soup recipes, but rather, just honest human food,
Serving Suggestions: Getting your Plating Right
Okay, so this is soup . it's not exactly haute cuisine. but presentation matters, love! think about it: a steaming bowl of easy 15 bean soup recipe topped with a swirl of cream.
Proper fancy, innit? serve with crusty bread. cornbread's another winner. a side salad keeps it balanced.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Leftover 15 bean soup is basically a gift from the gods. it tastes even better the next day! once the soup is cooled completely, pop it in an airtight container.
It’ll happily sit in the fridge for about 3-4 days . want to freeze it? no worries! it'll happily keep for up to 3 months .
Just make sure to cool it properly first, and use a freezer-safe container, obvs. reheating? a gentle simmer on the hob or a zap in the microwave.
Sorted!
Variations: Spice it Up or Go Veggie
Fancy a twist on your 15 bean soup variations? swap out the ham hock for smoked sausage. need a vegetarian option? omit the meat and use vegetable stock.
Boom! vegetarian 15 bean soup. sorted. add a dash of smoked paprika for that smoky depth. oh, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of zing!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, so i am no nutritionist. but this 15 bean soup recipe is packed with fiber. think good for your gut! it also loads you with protein.
That keeps you feeling full and satisfied. it's got carbs for energy. it is also generally low in fat - what are you waiting for, love, get a cup!
Honestly, don’t be afraid to experiment with this 15 bean soup recipe . cooking should be fun! and if your attempt at a slow cooker 15 bean soup goes a bit pear-shaped, so what? you can always order a takeaway, right? now, go forth and create some soup magic.
Here's a cuppa , love. just the ticket for getting your 15 bean soup recipe noticed: instant pot 15 bean soup with ham hock , hurst beans instant pot , insta pot bean soup recipes , bean soup instant pot recipes , pressure cooker bean soup , 15 bean soup variations , easy 15 bean soup recipe , vegetarian 15 bean soup , ham hock substitute bean soup , slow cooker 15 bean soup .

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to soak the beans for this 15 bean soup recipe?
While you can skip soaking in a pinch, it's highly recommended for the best texture and quicker cooking time. Soaking helps the beans cook more evenly and reduces the risk of them being tough. Think of it like giving your beans a head start in the marathon – they'll thank you for it!
My 15 bean soup is too thick! How do I thin it out?
No worries, this is a common occurrence! Simply add more water or broth to the soup, a cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away, so go slowly. Maybe it's time to try that new bone broth you've been eyeing up at the supermarket?
Can I make this 15 bean soup recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Just skip the ham hock or bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. For a smoky flavour that mimics the ham, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. You can also throw in some extra veggies, like diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash, for added depth and sweetness.
How long does 15 bean soup last, and what's the best way to store it?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, 15 bean soup will last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Soup's on... for later!
Can I use different types of beans if I can't find a 15-bean mix for this recipe?
Of course! A 15-bean mix is just a convenient way to get a variety of textures and flavours. If you can't find one, you can create your own mix using any combination of dried beans you like – kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, black beans, great northern beans, etc. Just aim for a similar total weight (around 1 pound or 450g) to ensure the right consistency.
The soup tastes a little bland. What can I do to boost the flavour of my 15 bean soup?
Flavour boost to the rescue! First, check your seasoning – salt and pepper are crucial. A splash of apple cider vinegar (or even a squeeze of lemon) can brighten the flavours. You could also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a bay leaf during simmering (remember to remove it before serving!). Another trick is to add a parmesan rind whilst the soup is simmering, a bit like a stock cube, remove before serving though!