When the temperatures start to drop and the evenings get cooler, there’s no better comfort food than a hearty bowl of bean soup. One of the most beloved varieties of this warming dish is the 15 Bean Soup, a recipe that brings together a delightful medley of beans in a rich, savory broth. This classic comfort food is versatile, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect dish to make in large batches, so you can enjoy it throughout the week, or even freeze some for a quick meal later.
The beauty of 15 Bean Soup lies not only in its hearty flavor but also in the variety of textures you get with the different beans. With the addition of ham or smoked meat, this soup becomes a meal in itself. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, meal prepping, or serving guests, this recipe has a little something for everyone.
15 Bean Soup Hambeens Recipe
For those who love hearty, soul-satisfying dishes, Hambeens 15 Bean Soup is a crowd-pleaser. This recipe, specifically using the Hambeens brand of beans, offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures that’s perfect for anyone craving a filling, nutritious meal. The soup is also incredibly simple to prepare, so even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can still whip up something amazing in no time.
The Hambeens 15 Bean Soup includes a pack of 15 different types of beans, all mixed together, making it incredibly nutrient-dense. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to add more plant-based protein and fiber to their diet, and it doesn’t hurt that it tastes absolutely amazing.
Ingredients Needed
To prepare this classic soup, here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 package of Hambeens 15 Bean Soup Mix (the one that comes with the seasoning packet)
- 1 lb. ham (shank or hock) or a leftover ham bone for flavor
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz (for a bit of tang and extra body)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for a rich, flavorful base)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to sauté the veggies)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a nice smoky depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
- 1 bay leaf (for aroma and added flavor)
Cooking Instructions
This is where things get deliciously easy. Follow these steps to make your very own 15 Bean Soup:
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Prepare The Beans
- Open your Hambeens 15 Bean Soup Mix and pick through the beans to ensure there are no foreign objects or stones. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
- Soak the beans overnight in a large pot of water (about 8 hours) or use the quick soak method: bring the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let them sit, covered, for an hour. Drain and set aside.
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Cook The Ham
- In a large soup pot, add your ham (or ham bone) and cover it with 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour to allow the ham to infuse the broth with flavor.
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Sauté Vegetables
- While the ham is simmering, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
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Combine
- Once the ham is done simmering, remove it from the pot and discard the bone (if using). Shred the meat and add it back to the pot with the broth.
- Add the sautéed veggies, soaked and drained beans, diced tomatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir everything together.
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Simmer
- Bring everything back to a simmer and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors are fully combined. Stir occasionally and add water or broth if needed to keep the soup at your desired consistency.
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Finishing Touches
- Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup (but leave plenty of texture).
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Ingredient Insights
- Beans: The mix of beans in the Hambeens package gives this soup a wonderful variety in both texture and taste. You’ll get everything from creamy white beans to firmer red beans, each contributing its own unique characteristic. Beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium, making this soup not just delicious but nourishing too.
- Ham: The ham or ham bone provides a rich, savory flavor that’s key to the depth of this soup. The natural saltiness from the ham infuses the broth, making each bite a comforting experience. If you’re using a leftover ham bone, the longer you simmer it, the more flavorful your broth becomes.
- Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds a subtle smokiness to the soup, giving it a distinct flavor profile without overwhelming the other ingredients. It’s also a great way to enhance the savory depth of the dish.
- Vegetables: The onions, carrots, celery, and bell pepper create a rich base for the soup. They add sweetness, crunch, and freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the ham and the earthiness of the beans.
Expert Tips
- For a richer broth: If you want a more flavorful broth, you can add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste or use a bit of chicken bouillon in place of the broth.
- Let it sit: Bean soups tend to taste even better the next day, so if you have the time, let the soup rest overnight in the fridge. This gives the flavors more time to meld together.
- Use a slow cooker: If you want a hands-off approach, transfer everything into a slow cooker after sautéing the vegetables and cooking the ham. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for a deep, slow-cooked flavor.
- Don’t skip the soaking: Soaking the beans helps them cook more evenly and reduces their cooking time. Plus, it can help with digestibility!
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked tofu or tempeh for that savory, smoky element.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the sautéed vegetables for a bit of heat. You can also stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you prefer more spice.
- Different Meats: While ham is the traditional choice, you can swap it for sausage (like Italian sausage or chorizo) for a different flavor profile. Smoked turkey legs also work wonderfully in this soup.
- Add Greens: For extra nutrition, toss in a handful of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Final Words
Hambeens 15 Bean Soup is more than just a meal-it’s a celebration of simplicity, comfort, and home-cooked goodness. With its mix of beans, vegetables, and savory ham, this soup is an easy, filling dish that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re making it on a cold night, prepping for the week, or serving it to friends and family, it’s bound to be a hit.
The beauty of this soup is in its versatility. You can tweak it to fit your tastes or dietary needs, but no matter how you make it, the combination of flavors is always something special. So grab your pot, soak your beans, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this classic, nourishing goodness.