15 Bean Soup
15 Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a blend of beans, ham, and aromatic spices. Its savory profile is enhanced by tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, making it perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings. The rich, smoky taste appeals to bean lovers and those seeking a satisfying, homemade soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried beans (15 Bean mixture) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salt ⓘ
- 2 quarts water ⓘ
- Ham hocks ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (pepper rings) ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- Ground red pepper ⓘ
- Ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash beans and remove debris.
- In a large 7 to 8-quart pot, cover beans with water and add 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Soak the beans overnight.
- Next morning, drain the beans.
- Add 2 quarts of water and ham hocks to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Remove ham hocks from the pot.
- Remove meat from the bones of the ham hocks.
- Shred the meat and add it back into the pot of beans.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, pepper rings, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the rest of the spices: ground red pepper, ground pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, parsley, tarragon, and ground clove garlic.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Add the ham packet included in the bag of beans about 1 or 2 minutes before cooking is complete. Remove bay leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke. If you're short on time, you can use canned beans instead; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian option, replace the ham hocks with a hearty vegetable broth and add additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots. This recipe is flexible and can accommodate different spices based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a comforting meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a slice of Glazed Baked Ham for a complete dinner. Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover 15 Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 15 Bean Soup contains roughly 278 calories, with 7g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 634mg per serving (28% 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 different types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any combination of dried beans that you like. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the types of beans used. Make sure to soak them overnight for better results.
How spicy is this soup and can I adjust the heat level?
The heat level can be adjusted to your liking. You can increase or decrease the amount of ground red pepper added, or omit it entirely for a milder soup. Tasting while cooking allows you to find the perfect balance.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover 15 Bean Soup can be repurposed into a delicious bean dip by blending it until smooth, or you can serve it over rice for a hearty meal. It also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos!
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).