If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals that are packed with flavor and nutrition, look no further than a good ol’ bean soup. One of the standout recipes in this category is 17 Bean Soup-a rich, flavorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is versatile. With a mix of beans, vegetables, and seasonings, this soup is perfect for any time of year, especially when you’re craving a filling meal that’s both healthy and easy to make. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder that can simmer away while you go about your day.
This soup isn’t just about taste; it’s about texture, variety, and the delightful combination of different beans, each contributing its own unique flavor and texture. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, making a batch to feed a crowd, or just want something cozy to enjoy on a cold evening, this soup has you covered. It’s like comfort in a bowl!
17 Bean Soup Recipe
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated cooking methods to make it. Here’s a straightforward recipe to guide you in preparing the perfect 17 Bean Soup.
Ingredients Needed
To make 17 Bean Soup, you’ll need a variety of beans, vegetables, and seasonings. Here’s the full list of what you’ll need to pull it all together:
- 17 Bean Soup Mix (usually available in bags at most grocery stores-this mix includes a variety of beans like navy, pinto, kidney, black, and lentils)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional for extra sweetness and flavor)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (preferably low-sodium or no-salt-added)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp ground cumin (for warmth and depth)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (earthy, herbal flavor)
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice touch here)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, for a non-vegetarian version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing the veggies)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Cooking Instructions
Ready to make this delicious, nourishing soup? Follow these simple steps to create your very own 17 Bean Soup:
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Rinse The Beans
- Start by thoroughly rinsing the 17-bean mix in a colander to remove any dirt or debris. Soaking the beans overnight is optional but will reduce cooking time. If you skip soaking, just be prepared for a longer simmering time.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper (if using). Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
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Add Spices And Tomatoes
- Add the cumin, thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the veggies in the spices, then add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and bay leaves. Stir again to combine everything.
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Add Beans And Broth
- Toss in your rinsed beans and pour in the vegetable broth. Give it all a good stir to mix the beans with the seasoned vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
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Adjust Seasoning
- After the soup has simmered, taste it and add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. You can also remove the bay leaves at this point.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients is key to appreciating the depth of flavor in 17 Bean Soup. Each component plays a vital role, from the beans to the spices and the broth. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Beans: The 17 Bean Soup mix usually contains a variety of beans, each with its own texture and flavor profile. From creamy white beans to firm kidney beans, each variety contributes to a satisfying mouthfeel and nutritional boost.
- Broth: The choice of broth is essential. Vegetable broth brings a light, herbaceous note to the soup, while chicken broth imparts a richer, more savory flavor. You can even use homemade stock if you have it on hand!
- Cumin and Paprika: These spices give the soup its signature warmth. Cumin provides an earthy, slightly smoky note, while paprika (especially smoked paprika) adds a touch of depth and complexity.
- Tomatoes: Adding tomatoes gives the soup a subtle tang, balancing out the richness of the beans and spices. The acidity from the tomatoes also helps to tenderize the beans as they cook.
Expert Tips
- Soak the Beans: Soaking the beans overnight reduces the cooking time and helps to ensure they cook more evenly. However, if you’re short on time, just be prepared for a longer simmer.
- Use a Slow Cooker: If you don’t have time to babysit the stove, you can easily adapt this recipe to a slow cooker. Just combine all the ingredients, set it to low, and cook for 6-8 hours.
- Add a Smoked Ham Hock: For an extra burst of flavor, add a smoked ham hock or a couple of slices of smoked sausage to the pot while simmering. This will infuse the soup with a rich, smoky undertone.
- Don’t Skip the Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle, aromatic flavor that rounds out the soup. Make sure to remove them before serving!
- Taste and Adjust: Beans can vary in how long they take to cook, so don’t be afraid to check the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
Recipe Variations
There’s a lot of flexibility with 17 Bean Soup, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Meat Lover’s Version: If you like your soup with some meaty richness, add diced ham, bacon, or sausage during the sauté step to give the soup a hearty, savory boost.
- Vegetarian Version: To keep things plant-based, use vegetable broth and add extra veggies, like zucchini or spinach, for a fresh twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Vegan Version: Simply replace the broth with a vegan-friendly vegetable stock, and you’re good to go. Top with avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Final Words
17 Bean Soup is one of those magical recipes that feels like home no matter where you are. It’s the kind of dish that you can make in big batches to feed a crowd or to have leftovers for the week. With its blend of beans, vegetables, and spices, each bowl is packed with both comfort and nutrition.
It’s also incredibly flexible-whether you’re sticking to the traditional recipe or adding your own creative twists, this soup will always deliver on flavor. And while it may take some time to cook, the hands-off nature of the recipe makes it perfect for busy days when you still want something wholesome.