15 Bean Soup With Ham Bone Recipe

When the weather starts to cool and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of soup. But not just any soup – a rich, flavorful 15 Bean Soup with Ham Bone. This dish is a perfect marriage of protein-packed beans, smoky ham, and a medley of vegetables that simmer together to create something truly magical. Not only does it have a satisfying texture, but the depth of flavors that develop during cooking makes it a standout recipe for any occasion.

This soup is one of those meals that feels like home. It’s not just about filling your belly – it’s about cozying up with a bowl of warmth and comfort, knowing that every spoonful is loaded with nutrients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a meal for meal prep, this soup works for any scenario. Let’s dive into the recipe and break down the steps, ingredients, and tips for perfecting this dish.

15 Bean Soup With Ham Bone Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Before we get into the cooking process, here’s a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need to pull off this classic bean soup:

• 1 ham bone (preferably with some meat left on it; the more marrow, the better for flavor)
• 1 pound 15-bean soup mix (typically available in most grocery stores; includes a variety of beans such as pinto, kidney, navy, great northern, and more)
• 8 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable broth works great, but water works too if you want to control the seasoning)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for an extra smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing the vegetables)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (optional for a slight tanginess)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (for a burst of color and freshness)
• Crusty bread (for dipping, if desired)

Cooking Instructions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. However, a few thoughtful steps will ensure the soup turns out perfect every time. Here’s how to make your 15 Bean Soup with Ham Bone:

1. Rinse And Prep The Beans

   The 15-bean mix often comes with a packet of seasoning, but you’re going to be making your own flavor profile. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or impurities. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Veggies (optional):

   In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds depth in the flavor of the soup, so don’t skip it!

3. Add Garlic And Seasonings

   Add the minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This will infuse the oil with aromatic flavors that will shine through the soup.

4. Add Beans, Ham Bone, And Liquid

   Stir in the rinsed beans, then place the ham bone in the pot. Pour in the water or broth, and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the ham has released its flavors into the broth.

5. Remove Ham Bone And Shred Meat

   After the soup has cooked, remove the ham bone and allow it to cool slightly. Pull off any remaining ham from the bone and shred it. Add the meat back into the soup. Discard the bone.

6. Season To Taste

   Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste. You can also stir in a can of diced tomatoes if you’d like a bit of acidity and color.

7. Simmer

   Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together. The beans should be tender, and the soup should have a rich, smoky flavor.

8. Serve

   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up the hearty broth.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role each ingredient plays in this dish can elevate your cooking experience and help you tweak the recipe to your liking. Let’s break down the key players:

• Ham Bone: The ham bone is the backbone of this recipe. It infuses the broth with a deep, savory, smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate. The marrow from the bone also helps thicken the soup and enrich the texture. If you don’t have a ham bone, you can substitute it with leftover ham scraps or a couple of smoked ham hocks.
• 15-Bean Mix: The beauty of using a bean mix like this is the variety of textures and flavors you get in each bite. From creamy and soft to firm and hearty, the different beans keep the soup interesting. Plus, beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is essential for adding that deep, smoky flavor without the need for actual smoke. It complements the ham beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Broth vs. Water: While water will work just fine, broth (especially chicken broth) takes the soup to a whole new level. It adds an additional layer of savory richness that’ll elevate your dish and make the flavors pop.

Expert Tips

• Soaking the Beans: While not strictly necessary, soaking the beans overnight helps them cook faster and ensures they’re more evenly cooked. If you’re short on time, a quick soak method (bringing them to a boil and letting them sit for an hour) also works well.
• Adding More Veggies: For an extra boost of nutrition, feel free to add more vegetables to the mix. Potatoes, kale, spinach, or bell peppers would be great additions and can give the soup more depth and variety.
• Let It Sit: This soup is one of those dishes that gets better with time. If you have the patience, let it sit overnight in the fridge. The flavors will intensify, and it will be even more flavorful the next day.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a potato masher or immersion blender to create a creamier base. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or water.

Recipe Variations

While the classic 15 Bean Soup with Ham Bone is delicious as it is, you can switch things up with these variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham bone and use vegetable broth. You can add some extra protein with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh or increase the number of beans for a filling alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce some heat. This will contrast beautifully with the rich, smoky flavors in the soup.
• Crockpot/Slow Cooker Version: For hands-off cooking, add all your ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The result is a beautifully tender soup with minimal effort.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, stir in a cup of cream or coconut milk in the last 10 minutes of cooking. This transforms the soup into a comforting, silky smooth dish.

Final Words

This 15 Bean Soup with Ham Bone is the epitome of comfort food. It’s filling, flavorful, and versatile enough to work for a variety of dietary preferences and occasions. From chilly winter nights to a hearty lunch, it’s a recipe that never fails to satisfy.

The best part? It’s practically a one-pot meal that you can easily adjust based on what you have in your pantry or fridge. Whether you stick to the original recipe or get creative with some of the variations, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.