Bean Soup Or Fifteen Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup with smoky ham, aromatic vegetables, and Italian seasonings, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover dried beans with water and soak overnight.
- Drain off water and place beans in a large kettle.
- Add water and baking powder; bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes.
- Drain and rinse beans to remove gastric distress.
- Return rinsed beans to the large kettle.
- Add beer and 1 quart water, or enough to cover the beans.
- Add ham bits or smoked ham hocks, Italian seasoning, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced onions.
- Cook on simmer for 4 to 5 hours or in a crock-pot on low until beans are tender.
- Top with parsley and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce during cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with smoked paprika and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Soaking the beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but also helps with digestion. If you can't find a 15 bean soup mix, you can use a combination of your favorite beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your bean soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, serve it alongside Water Chestnuts And Bacon for a delightful appetizer. This dish also complements a variety of American recipes, making it versatile for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the consistency if needed. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it is completely cooled before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Soup Or Fifteen Bean Soup contains roughly 328 calories, with 6g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (190% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 827mg per serving (36% 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, but reduce the cooking time significantly as they are already cooked. Just rinse and drain them, then add them to the pot with the other ingredients during the last hour of cooking.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce. You can also serve the soup with a side of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
What can I do with leftover bean soup?
Leftover bean soup can be repurposed into a delicious bean dip by blending it with some cream cheese or sour cream. You can also use it as a filling for burritos or serve it over rice for a quick meal. Don't forget to freeze portions for a quick future meal!
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).