16 Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe

A hearty, comforting bowl of 16 Bean Soup is the ultimate solution when you’re craving something filling and nourishing. It’s a classic dish that is both easy to make and versatile. This particular recipe makes it even more convenient, allowing you to create this flavorful soup in an Instant Pot.

The beauty of 16 Bean Soup lies in its depth of flavor. With a mix of various beans, spices, and vegetables, every spoonful is a delightful adventure of textures and tastes. If you’re looking for a dish that warms the soul, satisfies hunger, and is incredibly simple to make, this Instant Pot version is perfect. The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making it much easier to enjoy this rich, flavorful soup without waiting hours.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, meal prepping for the week, or simply need a comforting dish on a cold day, this recipe has got you covered.

16 Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe

This 16 Bean Soup recipe for the Instant Pot combines the heartiness of a traditional bean soup with the convenience of modern technology. The Instant Pot reduces cooking time significantly while maintaining that rich, deep flavor that’s characteristic of slow-cooked soups.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have a steaming, savory bowl of soup that’s ready to eat in under an hour. It’s a game-changer for busy individuals or those who want a stress-free meal after a long day.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you need for the recipe. The mix of beans, vegetables, and spices is what makes this soup special.

• 16 Bean Soup Mix: The star of the show. A pre-mixed combination of various beans, including kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, and more. You can find these pre-mixed bags at most grocery stores, or you can mix them up yourself.
• Ham Hock or Smoked Ham: Adds a rich, smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can skip this or opt for smoked paprika to simulate that deep flavor.
• Carrots: Adds a slight sweetness and crunch.
• Celery: Provides a fresh, herbal flavor that balances out the richness of the beans.
• Onion: A base ingredient that adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic give a lovely aromatic undertone.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Provides the necessary liquid base for the soup and contributes to the flavor.
• Bay Leaves: For added depth and fragrance.
• Dried Thyme: A subtle herb that complements the beans and vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and bring out the flavors.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the vegetables and enhance the flavor.

Cooking Instructions

The best part about this recipe is how little time it takes, thanks to the Instant Pot. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Set the Instant Pot to ’Sauté’ mode.
   • Add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it up.
   • Once hot, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

2. Add The Ham

   • If using a ham hock or smoked ham, now is the time to add it to the pot. Brown it slightly, and don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits.

3. Add Beans And Liquid

   • Pour in your 16 Bean Soup mix (don’t worry if it looks like a lot, the beans will expand).
   • Add your vegetable or chicken broth. This should cover the beans and vegetables by about an inch.
   • Toss in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Set The Instant Pot

   • Close the lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing”.
   • Set the Instant Pot to ’Manual’ or ’Pressure Cook’ on high for 30 minutes.
   • Let the pot come to pressure, and once the time is up, allow it to naturally release for about 10 minutes. After that, manually release any remaining pressure.

5. Finish And Serve

   • Open the lid carefully. If you used a ham hock, you can remove it and shred the meat off the bone, then add it back into the soup.
   • Stir everything together, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Your 16 Bean Soup is now ready to serve. It pairs wonderfully with some warm, crusty bread.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup has a role in building that complex flavor profile. Let’s break down why these ingredients work so well together:

• 16 Bean Mix: The combination of different beans adds texture and depth. Beans like kidney, navy, and pinto each have distinct characteristics. Some will break down and thicken the soup, while others hold their shape and provide bite.
• Ham Hock/Smoked Ham: This ingredient infuses the broth with a smoky, savory flavor. The collagen from the ham hock also contributes to a thicker, richer soup. If you’re opting for a vegetarian version, a bit of smoked paprika and liquid smoke can mimic that smoky essence.
• Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic): These vegetables are the flavor base that will be sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness. The onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation, while the carrots and celery provide texture and earthiness.
• Herbs and Spices (Bay Leaves, Thyme, Salt, Pepper): Simple yet powerful, these herbs elevate the flavor without overwhelming the soup. Bay leaves add a subtle, herby fragrance, and thyme complements the beans beautifully.

Expert Tips

1. Soaking the Beans: While the Instant Pot is great for cooking beans quickly, soaking them beforehand can help reduce the cooking time and prevent digestive issues. If you forget to soak, don’t worry-this recipe will still work just fine.
2. Flavor Building: If you want a deeper flavor, try sautéing the garlic, onion, and carrots in a little bit of bacon grease or butter for an added richness.
3. Don’t Skip the Natural Release: Letting the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes is essential for the best texture. Quick-releasing might lead to beans that are either undercooked or mushy.
4. Storing Leftovers: This soup actually gets better the next day! It thickens as it sits, so you might want to add a bit of broth when reheating. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze it for longer storage.
5. Double the Recipe: Since this soup freezes so well, consider doubling the recipe for meal prep. You can have a hearty, healthy meal on hand at all times!

Recipe Variations

While the classic 16 Bean Soup is amazing on its own, there are plenty of ways to personalize it. Here are some variations you might enjoy:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve that savory, smoky flavor. For protein, consider adding some lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage. If you like it extra spicy, you can even add some hot sauce at the end.
• Creamy Version: After the soup is cooked, use an immersion blender to blend about a quarter of the soup. This will make it creamy without needing to add cream or dairy.
• Chorizo or Sausage: For an extra meaty version, add chorizo or your favorite sausage along with the ham for a deeper, spicier flavor.

Final Words

16 Bean Soup made in the Instant Pot is an absolute gem of a recipe. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also brings out the rich, complex flavors of a traditional bean soup in a fraction of the time. The combination of hearty beans, savory ham, aromatic vegetables, and herbs make it a filling meal that everyone can enjoy.