15 Bean Soup With Sausage Recipe

15 Bean Soup with Sausage is one of those timeless, soul-warming dishes that brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings when all you want to do is cozy up with something hearty and satisfying. This dish is incredibly versatile, hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own, and packed with robust flavors from the savory sausage, earthy beans, and aromatic seasonings.

What makes 15 Bean Soup stand out isn’t just the variety of beans it uses, but also the depth of flavor that comes from slow cooking everything together, allowing all those flavors to meld perfectly. Throw in a few vegetables, a bit of sausage, and the right seasonings, and you’ve got yourself a bowl full of comfort that will leave you coming back for seconds.

Let’s dive into the specifics of making this mouth-watering dish, including tips on how to make it truly your own.

15 Bean Soup With Sausage Recipe

This recipe for 15 Bean Soup with Sausage is a blend of hearty beans, smoky sausage, and vegetables simmered together to create a robust and flavorful soup. It’s not just about the variety of beans; it’s the texture and flavor that come from this unique combination, paired with the richness of sausage and the aromatic depth of spices.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create a soul-satisfying pot of 15 Bean Soup with Sausage:

• 1 Package Of 15 Bean Soup Mix

  You can find this prepackaged in most grocery stores, often under the brand "Hambeens" or similar. It contains a mix of different beans, such as pinto, kidney, navy, great northern, and black beans. The variety gives the soup its hearty texture and makes it interesting both visually and flavor-wise.

• 1 Lb Sausage (smoked Or Italian)

  The sausage is the star of the show, providing richness and a smoky depth of flavor. Smoked sausage adds a distinct, savory undertone, while Italian sausage brings in a little more spice and seasoning. Feel free to adjust based on your preference.

• 1 Onion (diced)

  Onions are a key aromatic base, helping to build the foundational flavors of your soup.

• 2 Carrots (peeled And Diced)

  Carrots add natural sweetness and color to the dish. They also bring a nice bite when cooked just right.

• 2 Celery Stalks (diced)

  Celery introduces a crisp texture and subtle earthiness, balancing out the richness of the sausage.

• 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)

  Garlic is a must for a deeper, aromatic flavor. You can’t go wrong with a generous amount of garlic in any soup!

• 6 Cups Chicken Broth

  The chicken broth serves as the base for the soup. It’s full of flavor and helps cook the beans and sausage until everything is tender and infused with flavor.

• 1 Bay Leaf

  A bay leaf or two adds a subtle, herby fragrance as it simmers with the soup. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!

• 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika

  This seasoning gives the soup a deep, smoky flavor that complements the sausage beautifully. It’s the key to really elevating the taste.

• Salt And Pepper To Taste

  Season well with salt and freshly ground pepper to bring all the flavors together.

• Fresh Parsley Or Thyme (optional, For Garnish)

  For an extra touch of color and freshness, sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or thyme on top before serving.

Cooking Instructions

Making 15 Bean Soup with Sausage is pretty simple, and the results are nothing short of amazing. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make this comforting dish:

1. Prepare The Beans

   Before starting, you’ll need to soak your beans. This helps them cook more evenly and softens them faster. You can soak them overnight in a large bowl of water, or you can use the quick-soak method by bringing them to a boil, then turning off the heat and letting them sit for an hour. Drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.

2. Cook The Sausage

   In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides, breaking it up into crumbles if you’re using a ground variety. Once browned, remove the sausage and set aside.

3. Sauté The Veggies

   In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Combine Everything

   Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, bay leaf, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. If the soup gets too thick, you can always add a little more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Add The Sausage Back In

   After the beans are cooked and tender, add the browned sausage back into the pot and stir. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

6. Season To Taste

   Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving!

7. Serve And Garnish

   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all the delicious broth.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive into the significance of the ingredients that make this soup special:

• 15 Bean Soup Mix

  The variety of beans adds both texture and a broad spectrum of nutrients. Beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Different beans have different cooking times, but when mixed together, they balance each other out, offering a perfect chewiness without being too soft.

• Sausage

  Whether you choose smoked sausage for depth or Italian sausage for a spicier kick, this ingredient infuses the soup with savory richness. It’s one of the key components that makes this soup satisfying and filling.

• Carrots And Celery

  These vegetables are classic aromatics that provide a natural sweetness and earthy base. Carrots balance the savory flavors of the sausage, while celery offers an additional layer of flavor and texture.

• Smoked Paprika

  Smoked paprika is essential for giving this soup that rustic, smoky undertone that complements the sausage and beans so perfectly. It brings complexity and warmth without overwhelming the dish.

Expert Tips

Here are a few expert tips to elevate your 15 Bean Soup game:

• Pre-cook The Beans For Better Texture

  Soaking beans overnight or using the quick-soak method can really change the texture of the soup. It prevents beans from breaking apart too much during the cooking process.

• Use A Good Quality Sausage

  Since the sausage is the backbone of the flavor in this dish, choosing a high-quality sausage makes a huge difference. Opt for something that’s made with quality meat and minimal fillers.

• Don’t Skip The Smoked Paprika

  While regular paprika will work, smoked paprika adds an undeniable depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish. Don’t skimp on it!

• Let It Rest

  Soups often taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Make a big batch and let it sit in the fridge overnight. You might be surprised at how much more flavorful it gets!

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version

  Skip the sausage entirely, and instead, use vegetable broth and add mushrooms or another hearty vegetable to boost the flavor. You can also add some tofu or tempeh for a protein source.

• Spicy Kick

  Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for a spicy version. The heat will balance wonderfully with the richness of the sausage.

• Add Greens

  Spinach or kale are great additions to this soup. Add them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a burst of color and extra nutrients.

• Different Beans

  While the 15 Bean Soup mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with your own combination of beans. Black beans, lentils, and chickpeas all work great and bring their unique flavors to the table.

Final Words

15 Bean Soup with Sausage is a classic recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The variety of beans, combined with the rich flavor of the sausage and the aromatic vegetables, create a delicious and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any season. It’s a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy.