Bob’s Red Mill Soup Mix Recipe

Soup is one of those comforting dishes that can feel like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s versatile, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. But sometimes, creating a rich, hearty soup from scratch takes more time than we’re willing to give. That’s where the magic of pre-packaged soup mixes, like Bob’s Red Mill Soup Mix, comes in. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful and satisfying soup without much effort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, Bob’s Red Mill Soup Mix makes it easy to enjoy a home-cooked meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

In this guide, we’ll dive into how to make a delicious soup using Bob’s Red Mill Soup Mix, with everything you need to know-from ingredients to cooking tips, and even variations to keep your meals fresh and exciting. Let’s explore!

Bob’s Red Mill Soup Mix Recipe

Here’s a basic, straightforward recipe for preparing a tasty soup using Bob’s Red Mill Soup Mix. It’s ideal for those busy nights when you need something quick but satisfying. Bob’s Red Mill offers a variety of soup mixes, including lentil, split pea, and 15-bean soup mixes. The recipe we’ll go over here is for their 15-bean soup mix, which is one of their most popular.

Ingredients Needed

When you’re making Bob’s Red Mill Soup Mix, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Bob’s Red Mill 15 Bean Soup Mix (1 package)
• Water (8 cups)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Carrots (2 large, peeled and diced)
• Celery stalks (2, chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Bay leaves (2)
• Smoked ham hock or ham bone (optional, for a meaty version)
• Vegetable broth or chicken broth (4 cups, can substitute with water if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Canned diced tomatoes (1 can, optional for a tomato-based variation)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this hearty soup:

1. Rinse the Beans: Start by rinsing the 15-bean mix thoroughly. Since dried beans can sometimes have small stones or debris, this ensures that your soup remains as smooth and clean as possible.
2. Soak the Beans (Optional): For a quicker cooking time, soak the beans overnight in water. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it will help with the cooking process if you choose to soak them.
3. Prepare the Veggies: While the beans are soaking (or if you skip the soak), chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Set them aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This will build a good base of flavor for your soup.
5. Add the Beans and Liquid: Pour in the rinsed beans (and soaked, if applicable), the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), and 8 cups of water. Stir to combine.
6. Add the Ham (Optional): If you’re using a ham hock or bone for added flavor, toss it in now. The ham adds richness and smokiness to the soup. If you’re making a vegetarian version, you can skip this step.
7. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and make sure the soup doesn’t dry out by adding more water if needed.
8. Season: Add salt, pepper, and the bay leaves. If you’d like to add a can of diced tomatoes, now’s the time. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
9. Final Touches: Once the beans are soft and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaves and ham hock (if used). If you used a ham hock, shred any meat from the bone and stir it back into the soup.
10. Serve: Garnish the soup with fresh parsley. Ladle it into bowls, and enjoy the rich, hearty flavor of your homemade bean soup.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient in your soup can elevate your cooking experience. Let’s break down a few key components:

• 15-Bean Soup Mix: The star of the show, this blend of different beans gives the soup texture and variety. The mix typically includes beans like kidney, black, pinto, and navy beans. Each one cooks at a slightly different rate, but together they create a rich, filling dish. Beans are also a great source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron.
• Ham Hock or Bone: This is a traditional addition in many bean soups. The ham adds an earthy, smoky flavor to the broth, which complements the beans beautifully. If you don’t eat pork, you can substitute with smoked turkey or simply go for a vegetarian option, which still yields a wonderfully hearty soup.
• Vegetables: Carrots, onions, and celery form the essential “mirepoix” (a French term for this flavor base). They provide a depth of flavor, with the sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the onions and celery creating a rich foundation for the soup.
• Herbs & Seasonings: Bay leaves add a subtle herbal flavor that’s essential in any bean soup. Fresh parsley at the end provides brightness, cutting through the richness of the soup.

Expert Tips

1. Soak the Beans: If you soak your beans overnight, the cooking time will be significantly reduced. This is a helpful trick if you want your soup ready in less time. Plus, soaking beans helps to remove some of the compounds that can cause digestive discomfort.
2. Add Vinegar at the End: If you want a little extra tang, try adding a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar at the very end of cooking. This acidity can balance the richness of the soup and elevate its flavor profile.
3. Use Leftover Meats: If you have leftover turkey or chicken from another meal, chop it up and toss it into your soup. This is an excellent way to utilize leftovers and boost the soup’s heartiness.
4. Don’t Skip the Broth: While water will work, using broth (vegetable or chicken) adds much more depth to the soup. It helps the beans absorb flavors better as they cook.
5. Blender Option for Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup. This will make it rich and velvety without losing all the texture of the beans.

Recipe Variations

There’s a lot of room for creativity with this recipe, depending on what you like or have on hand:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth.
• Tomato-Based: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a slight tangy twist. You could also add a spoonful of tomato paste at the start to deepen the flavor.
• Spicy: For those who like heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage. If you prefer a smoky spice, chipotle powder is a great option.
• Kale or Spinach: Toss in some kale or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra greens and nutrition.

Final Words

Making soup doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With Bob’s Red Mill Soup Mix, you can enjoy the nourishing comfort of a homemade soup in just a couple of hours. It’s a great way to feed your family or have leftovers for a few days. Not to mention, it’s super customizable based on your preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, this soup mix is a foolproof way to create something delicious and wholesome.