If you’ve ever craved a hearty, comforting bowl of soup that’s not only nourishing but also bursting with flavor, then 15 Bean Soup might just be the answer to your culinary dreams. This recipe is packed with a variety of beans, each adding its unique texture and flavor profile to the dish, making it rich, satisfying, and perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening.
But here’s the kicker: 15 Bean Soup isn’t just a random mix of beans; it’s a carefully crafted medley that includes everything from earthy kidney beans to vibrant red beans, lentils, and navy beans. This blend of ingredients creates a complex and hearty base for a rich broth, bringing out layers of flavors you’d expect from a dish that’s been simmering for hours. It’s like getting a taste of all the best beans in one bowl.
Whether you’re making it from scratch or using a pre-packaged 15 Bean Soup mix (like those from Hurst’s), this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. So let’s dive in and explore how to make this classic dish, shall we?
15 Bean Soup Hurst Recipe
This recipe is based on the 15 Bean Soup mix by Hurst, which makes things super convenient. If you’ve never used Hurst beans, they’re a staple for many bean enthusiasts and home cooks because the variety in the pack is so well balanced, and the beans cook to perfection. Plus, they come with a flavor packet that adds an additional burst of taste.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 package of Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup mix (or 15 different types of dried beans of your choice)
- 1 lb ham hock (or you can use a smoked ham bone, diced ham, or turkey leg)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but highly recommended for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for a richer taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the Beans: Begin by sorting through your 15 Bean Soup mix to remove any debris or broken beans. Then, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to ensure they’re clean and ready to cook.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large stockpot, heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth & Ham: To the stockpot, add the rinsed beans, chicken broth, ham hock (or chosen meat), bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir everything together, ensuring the beans are submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and check the beans to see if they’re tender. If you’re using a ham hock, ensure the meat starts to fall off the bone for maximum flavor infusion.
- Season and Adjust: Once the beans are cooked through, remove the ham hock or bone from the pot. Shred the meat, discarding the bones, and return the meat to the soup. Add the canned diced tomatoes, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or a slice of crusty bread on the side to make this meal even more comforting.
Ingredient Insights
Now, let’s break down the key ingredients that make this soup so irresistible:
- Hurst’s 15 Bean Soup Mix: This mix includes a variety of beans, such as pinto, kidney, black, and navy beans. Each bean brings its unique texture and flavor to the soup, contributing to a beautiful, well-rounded dish. The beauty of using a pre-mixed pack is that you get the perfect bean combination without any guesswork.
- Ham Hock/Smoked Ham: The smoked meat is what gives the soup its rich, savory flavor. The collagen from the ham hock breaks down during cooking, creating a velvety texture in the broth. If you’re opting for turkey, you’ll get a slightly lighter, but still hearty, flavor.
- Carrots, Celery, Onion (The Holy Trinity): These aromatic vegetables form the base of the flavor profile. As they cook, they release natural sugars, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the broth and the smokiness of the ham.
- Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes add acidity to cut through the heaviness of the beans and meats. They brighten the entire dish, keeping the soup from feeling too one-dimensional.
Expert Tips
Want to take your 15 Bean Soup to the next level? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Soak the Beans: If you have extra time, consider soaking the beans overnight. This helps reduce cooking time and ensures the beans cook more evenly. Just be sure to rinse them well before cooking.
- Use a Slow Cooker: For an easy, set-it-and-forget-it approach, use a slow cooker! After sautéing the vegetables and adding the broth, toss everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the soup even more flavorful as the beans have time to absorb all the smoky, savory goodness.
- Don’t Skip the Smoked Paprika: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, a teaspoon of smoked paprika brings a lovely depth that you wouldn’t expect. It’s subtle but enhances the entire dish.
- Go Vegetarian: For a meatless version, swap the ham for a couple of cups of diced mushrooms or use a vegetarian ham substitute. The beans themselves are hearty enough to carry the dish without meat, especially if you add some extra seasoning.
Recipe Variations
15 Bean Soup is incredibly adaptable. Here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Bean Soup: If you love a bit of heat, throw in some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will give your soup a kick that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the beans and ham.
- Veggie Delight: For a lighter, vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether and load the soup up with extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add a can of corn for extra sweetness and texture.
- Southern Style: Add a couple of slices of smoked sausage (like Andouille) or a bit of bacon for a Southern twist. The sausage will infuse the soup with a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Add a Starch: If you want to bulk up the soup even more, add a cup of potatoes, rice, or even quinoa. These ingredients will soak up the broth and make the soup even more filling.
Final Words
There’s something inherently comforting about a big pot of 15 Bean Soup. It’s not just the mix of beans that makes it special, but the rich, smoky flavor that develops over hours of cooking. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in or serving it to a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s hearty, versatile, and downright delicious.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s easy to make, but packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep because the leftovers are just as tasty (if not better) the next day.