Let’s dive into the world of hearty, nourishing soups! One of the ultimate comfort food staples has to be a warm, filling bowl of 15 Bean Soup. What’s amazing about this recipe is that it’s as versatile as it is satisfying. Packed with an assortment of legumes and vegetables, it’s a powerhouse of nutrients, and perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. The vegetarian version of this classic recipe swaps out meat for extra flavor-packed, plant-based ingredients that make this dish just as rich and comforting as the original.
In this recipe, we’re not just aiming for a healthy meal, but one that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and nutrients. The combination of the different beans makes for an incredible variety of tastes and provides a deep, earthy richness that’s satisfying in every bite. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, especially for those following a vegetarian or plant-based lifestyle. So, grab your apron, because this recipe is going to warm you up inside and out!
15 Bean Soup Vegetarian Recipe
This 15 Bean Soup is an incredible vegetarian take on the traditional recipe. It’s simple to make, and with the right ingredients and spices, the result is absolutely mouthwatering. The beans themselves create a creamy texture as they cook, which, when combined with a mix of seasonings and vegetables, creates a soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and super filling.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the rundown of everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering 15 Bean Soup:
- 15 Bean Soup Mix – You can find pre-packaged mixes that contain a combination of different beans, including pinto beans, kidney beans, navy beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, lima beans, lentils, split peas, and more.
- Vegetable Broth – A rich and flavorful base that replaces traditional meat stock. Make sure to choose a high-quality vegetable broth or, better yet, make your own if you have the time.
- Carrots – Fresh, diced carrots add a slight sweetness and a nice crunch to the soup.
- Celery – Chopped celery provides a crisp texture and subtle earthy flavor that complements the beans.
- Onion – A good onion gives the soup depth and a slight sweetness as it softens while cooking.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic, minced finely, adds a wonderful aromatic kick that balances the flavors of the beans and vegetables.
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds a bit of tanginess and acidity that really brightens up the flavors.
- Bay Leaves – A couple of bay leaves add an herby flavor, rounding out the soup.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and starting the flavor base of the soup.
- Thyme – Fresh or dried thyme infuses the soup with earthy, woody notes that complement the beans perfectly.
- Smoked Paprika – This gives the soup a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, but be sure to season carefully, especially with the broth already having salt.
- Optional Garnishes – Fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of sour cream or a vegan alternative can add some nice finishing touches.
Cooking Instructions
The best part about this 15 Bean Soup is how easy it is to prepare. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this hearty vegetarian dish:
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Prep The Beans
- Start by rinsing the beans thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Since different beans cook at varying rates, it’s a good idea to soak the beans for a few hours or overnight in water. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method: bring the beans and water to a boil, then turn off the heat and let them sit for 1 hour before draining and using.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burn.
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Simmer The Soup
- Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.
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Final Adjustments
- Once the beans are tender and the soup has thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Ingredient Insights
- Beans: The star of this dish is the bean medley. Each bean in the mix brings its own unique texture and flavor, and together, they form a hearty base. You’ll find beans like kidney beans (creamy), black beans (earthy), and lentils (soft, delicate), all contributing to a rich, layered flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Choosing a flavorful vegetable broth is crucial here. It’s the foundation for the soup, so don’t settle for a bland one. If you make your own, it’s a wonderful way to control the seasoning and create a more robust flavor.
- Tomatoes: The tomatoes add a slight acidity that balances the richness of the beans, helping to keep the soup from becoming too heavy. It also gives the soup a bit of a tangy kick that contrasts nicely with the earthiness of the beans.
- Spices: Smoked paprika is an absolute game-changer for this recipe. It infuses the soup with a smoky depth without needing any actual smoked meat. Thyme adds its signature earthy note, and bay leaves provide a subtle, herbal richness.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: One of the key aspects of making a great 15 Bean Soup is allowing time for the flavors to develop. Resist the urge to rush-let the soup simmer low and slow to create a full-bodied, well-seasoned dish.
- Soaking Beans: While soaking isn’t mandatory, it does help the beans cook more evenly and reduces the overall cooking time. If you forget to soak the beans, simply extend the cooking time by 30-40 minutes.
- Use Leftovers: This soup actually gets better the next day! The flavors have time to meld, and the beans soak up the seasonings even more. Make extra and enjoy a second round!
- Adjust Thickness: If your soup gets too thick as it cools, add a little water or broth when reheating to restore the consistency.
- Add Greens: For added nutrition and color, stir in some fresh spinach, kale, or swiss chard during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy 15 Bean Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper during the sautéing step to give the soup some heat. You could also stir in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky spice.
- Sweet Potato Addition: For a touch of sweetness, add some diced sweet potatoes along with the carrots and celery. The natural sweetness complements the earthy beans beautifully.
- Herb Variations: If thyme isn’t your thing, experiment with other herbs like oregano, rosemary, or sage to give the soup a slightly different flavor profile.
- Creamy Version: After cooking, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup to make it creamier and smoother. If you want a full-on creamy version, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Vegan Sausage: To add a bit of a ’meaty’ texture without the meat, throw in some sliced vegan sausage or tempeh during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the soup that hearty, savory bite.
Final Words
This vegetarian 15 Bean Soup isn’t just about food; it’s an experience. The depth of flavors, the variety of textures, and the nutritional richness make it more than just a bowl of soup. It’s a fulfilling, healthy, and satisfying meal that can feed your family or become a meal prep hero for the week ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking for a delicious and hearty plant-based dish, this soup ticks all the boxes.