15 Bean Lowfat Soup
A hearty, flavorful 15 Bean Lowfat Soup packed with mixed beans, smoky sausage, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians or meat lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the beans with water and soak overnight or for several hours.
- Drain the soaked beans.
- In a large pot, cover the soaked beans with water again.
- Add chopped onions, chopped lite smoked sausage, chicken bouillon granules, bay leaves, Mexican stewed tomatoes, salt, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until the beans are tender, adding a little water if necessary during cooking.
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, yielding about 10 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding a diced carrot or celery along with the onions. You can substitute the lite smoked sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative to reduce fat and calories. If you prefer a spicier kick, adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the dish. Ensure that the beans are soaked adequately to reduce cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Chicken Livers And Barley for a nutritious and filling dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency. This soup also freezes well; just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 15 Bean Lowfat Soup contains roughly 196 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If you do, skip the soaking and reduce the cooking time. Drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the pot, and simmer just long enough to heat through and meld the flavors.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the lite smoked sausage and replace the chicken bouillon granules with vegetable bouillon. You can enhance the flavor with additional spices or smoked paprika to replicate the smoky taste of sausage.
What other ingredients can I add to the soup?
Feel free to customize this soup by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach. You can also incorporate grains such as quinoa or barley for additional texture and nutrition. Just adjust the liquid accordingly to keep the soup from becoming too thick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).