What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A big pot of homemade 15 bean soup, loaded with tender beans and vegetables, served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. This easy recipe is a family favorite, made with simple ingredients like dried beans and simmered to perfection. Save this idea for a quick and comforting meal.

two bowls of bean soup with bread on the side and text overlay that reads 15 bean soup

Introduction

Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make and packed with nutrients. Welcome to the world of 15 bean soup, a culinary delight that combines the richness of beans with the simplicity of everyday ingredients. This recipe is a masterclass in balance and flavor, using a mix of 15 different beans, aromatic spices, and the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread on the side. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish promises to impress with its depth of flavor and the ease with which it comes together.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to balance a wide array of flavors, from the earthiness of the beans to the brightness of added spices, all while using ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this soup is remarkably easy to prepare. It requires minimal prep work and can simmer away while you attend to other tasks, making it perfect for busy days.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, but requires less than an hour of actual cooking time. This makes it an excellent choice for special occasions or everyday meals alike.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the 15 bean mix. This can usually be found in the dried bean or international section of your local grocery store. If you can’t find a pre-mixed 15 bean blend, you can also create your own mix using a variety of dried beans such as kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and navy beans. Other key ingredients include onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and your choice of spices. For the bread on the side, a crusty loaf such as baguette or ciabatta works perfectly. Practical substitutions can be made based on dietary restrictions or preferences, such as using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by sorting through the 15 bean mix to remove any debris or stones, then rinse the beans and set them aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. If using, slice the bread and set it aside for toasting later.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed beans, diced tomatoes, broth, and your choice of spices to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
4. Step 4: While the soup is cooking, toast the bread. Simply slice the baguette, place the slices on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by the toasted bread on the side.

Handy Tips

• For an added depth of flavor, consider sautéing a bit of smoked bacon or pancetta before adding the onion and garlic. This will give your soup a rich, smoky flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.
• Experiment with different spice blends to change up the flavor. For example, adding a bit of cumin and chili powder can give the soup a nice southwestern twist.

Heat Control

When cooking the soup, it’s essential to keep an eye on the heat to prevent the beans from becoming mushy or the liquid from evaporating too quickly. Ideal cooking is achieved at a simmer, where the liquid is just barely moving. This usually corresponds to a low or medium-low heat setting on your stove. Cooking time will depend on the type of beans used and their freshness, but generally, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to an hour for the beans to become tender.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted bread served on the side. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to toast the bread just before serving. You can also add some crunchy elements directly to the soup, such as chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, to add texture and visual appeal.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a slow cooker: If you prefer a hands-off approach, this recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onion and garlic, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Soak the beans: While not necessary, soaking the beans overnight can reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. Simply rinse the beans, cover them with water, and let them soak in the refrigerator overnight.
• Cleanup hack: To make cleanup easier, consider cooking the soup in a pot with a heavy bottom, as these pots are less likely to scorch and easier to clean than thinner pots.

Storage Tips

• Leftover storage: Cool the soup to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it. Refrigerated soup will keep for up to 5 days, while frozen soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheating tips: To reheat, simply warm the soup over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until hot and steaming.
• Best containers: For freezing, use airtight, freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. For refrigeration, use covered containers that can withstand refrigeration temperatures.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this soup, it can be packaged in a variety of ways to make it a thoughtful and appealing gift. One idea is to fill mason jars with the cooled soup, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, and attach a baguette slice to the side of the jar with a ribbon. You could also include a small packet of crusty bread and a note with reheating instructions for a complete gift.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Experiment with various spice blends to change the flavor profile of the soup. For example, adding a bit of curry powder can give it an Indian-inspired flavor, while smoked paprika can add a smoky depth.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding creative toppings to the soup for added flavor and texture. This could include a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, diced onions, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs.
• Ingredient swaps: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit dietary preferences. For example, you could use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option, or add some diced ham for a non-vegetarian version.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or broth. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or add a bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find a specific ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute with something similar. For example, if you can’t find diced tomatoes, you could use crushed tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes cooked down in the pot.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the soup as it cooks, and check the beans for tenderness. If the beans are still hard, they need more cooking time. If they’re mushy, they’re overcooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Is it gluten-free? This soup can be gluten-free depending on the broth used. Make sure to choose a gluten-free broth to ensure the dish is safe for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled if you’re feeding a large crowd. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as larger quantities may take a bit longer to cook through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 15 bean soup with bread on the side is a versatile, delicious, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavor profile, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make the dish your own, and consider sharing it with friends and family as a thoughtful gift. Happy cooking, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that this soup has to offer!