Oh, the cozy embrace of a big bowl of soup on a chilly day! I can remember the smell of my grandmother’s kitchen as she simmered pots of hearty bean soup filled with love. That warm aroma wafting through the air made the world outside fade away. It wasn’t just food; it was a hug on a cold day, a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something so much more than the sum of its parts.

This Traditional 15 Bean Soup Recipe with Ham is one of those lovely dishes that warms the heart and fills the belly. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something comforting yet easy to prepare. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal without breaking the bank.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners!
• A wholesome, hearty meal that’s packed full of flavor.
• Budget-friendly, using affordable pantry staples.
• It gets better as it sits; perfect for leftovers!
• Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

Gather these delightful ingredients to create your delicious bean soup:

• 1 (20 oz) package of 15 bean soup mix (look for a brand that has seasoning included)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup ham, diced (or sausage for a different flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your 15 bean soup:

1. 1. Rinse and soak the beans: Start by emptying the package of beans into a colander. Give them a good rinse under cold water. If you have time, soak the beans in water for about 6-8 hours or overnight, but if you’re short on time, no worries; you can skip the soaking. They will simply take a little longer to cook.
   2. Heat the olive oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking.
   3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot. Cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, allowing them to soften, for another 3-4 minutes. The smells will be amazing at this point!

1. Add the beans and broth: Toss in the beans along with the chicken broth and bay leaf. If you soaked the beans, drain them well before adding. Bring this gorgeous mixture to a gentle boil.
2. Add the ham and season: Stir in the diced ham and smoked paprika. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 1-1.5 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally and if the soup looks too thick, you can add a splash more broth or water!
3. Season to taste: After an hour, taste your wonderful soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. Keep simmering until the beans are tender. Remember, the beauty of a simmering pot of soup is that you can adjust flavors as you go!
4. Serve and enjoy: Once the beans are cooked and tender, remove the bay leaf and ladle your soup into bowls. Enjoy with some crusty bread or over a scoop of fluffy rice!

Pro Tips & Variations

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun twists and tips:

• Herbs: Toss in some fresh thyme or parsley just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño when cooking the onions.
• Diet-friendly: This soup can easily be made vegetarian by leaving out the ham and using veggie broth. You can also enhance flavor with smoked paprika. It gives that lovely savory depth!
• Protein boost: Add some cooked sausage for a heartier version or even some shredded chicken for a different protein option.

Serving Suggestions

Picture this: a cozy evening with friends or family gathered around the table. This traditional 15 bean soup is perfect served with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. You could also pair it with a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. And don’t forget a nice cup of herbal tea or a bold coffee to round out the meal. It’s all about creating those warm, inviting moments that make the best memories!

Storage Tips

One of the best parts of this soup is that it stores fantastically! Here’s how to keep the flavors fresh:

• Refrigerating: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to stock up for future meals, freeze leftovers. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some room for expansion!
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick!

FAQs

Can I use dried beans instead of the 15 bean mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to combine your favorite dried beans. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so you’ll want to adjust as necessary. Rinse and soak those beans well to ensure a tender result!

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Simply sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add the beans, broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until beans are tender. Perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it meal!

What can I serve with this soup for a complete meal?

A side of cornbread is a classic pairing, but you could also serve it with a simple spinach salad or some roasted veggies for a more rounded meal. Rice is also a fantastic addition for a heartier option!

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this classic soup are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the seasoning packet for any hidden gluten!

Can I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Certainly! Just omit the ham and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken. You can also add some extra veggies or even grains like quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrition!

Conclusion

There you have it, a warm and charming recipe for Traditional 15 Bean Soup with Ham. I hope it brings you as much joy as it does for me! The magic of this soup is in how it brings people together—so grab your loved ones, ladle up those warm bowls, and soak in the cozy atmosphere. I would love to hear your thoughts or any delicious twists you tried, so feel free to share in the comments below! Happy cooking!

Ultimate 15 Bean Soup Recipe w/ Ham – Easy & Delicious!

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 105 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Make a cozy Traditional 15 Bean Soup w/ Ham that’s simple to prepare. Enjoy this easy, hearty dish perfect for any meal or gathering!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 package (20 oz) of 15 bean soup mix

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 large carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 bay leaf

8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup of ham, diced

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Rinse and soak the beans: Start by emptying the package of beans into a colander. Give them a good rinse under cold water. If you have time, soak the beans in water for about 6-8 hours or overnight, but if you’re short on time, no worries; you can skip the soaking. They will simply take a little longer to cook.

Heat the olive oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking.

Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot. Cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, allowing them to soften, for another 3-4 minutes.

Add the beans and broth: Toss in the beans along with the chicken broth and bay leaf. If you soaked the beans, drain them well before adding. Bring this gorgeous mixture to a gentle boil.

Add the ham and season: Stir in the diced ham and smoked paprika. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 1-1.5 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally and if the soup looks too thick, you can add a splash more broth or water!

Season to taste: After an hour, taste your wonderful soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. Keep simmering until the beans are tender.

Serve and enjoy: Once the beans are cooked and tender, remove the bay leaf and ladle your soup into bowls. Enjoy with some crusty bread or over a scoop of fluffy rice!

Notes

Enjoy a cozy bowl of Traditional 15 Bean Soup with Ham, packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 24g

Keywords: 15 bean soup, ham soup, traditional soup, easy soup recipe, hearty soup