15-Bean Soup Recipe (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot) (2024)

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Warm up with a hearty and comforting bowl of 15-Bean Soup, packed with a variety of beans, tender vegetables, and fragrant spices. This delicious recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the rich flavors of Hurst’s Hambeens 15 Bean Soup mix. Whether you prefer the convenience of a slow cooker or the speed of an Instant Pot, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions for both methods. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Before we dive into the recipe, here are a few tips to ensure your 15-Bean Soup turns out perfectly:

1. Soaking the beans: Soaking the beans overnight is the traditional method, as it helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. However, if you’re short on time, you can opt for a quick soak method by boiling the beans for a few minutes and then letting them sit for an hour. This step helps to achieve a more tender texture.
2. Skip soaking in Instant Pot: Unlike the slow cooker method, you can skip the soaking step when using the Instant Pot. The high-pressure cooking function will adequately soften the beans during the cooking process. This makes the Instant Pot method more convenient if you’re short on time.
3. Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time mentioned in the recipe is a general guideline. Depending on the age and quality of the beans, the cooking time may vary slightly. If you find that the beans are not as tender as you’d like after the recommended cooking time, you can pressure cook for an additional 5 minutes and perform a quick release to check the doneness.
4. Customize the flavors: While the recipe includes a delightful combination of cumin, salt, paprika, and black pepper, don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.

Now that you’re armed with these handy tips, let’s proceed to the recipe and discover how to make this satisfying 15-Bean Soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Hurst’s Hambeens 15 Bean Soup mix (discard the seasoning packet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 7 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Do I have to Soak the Beans?

No, you don’t necessarily need to soak the beans when using a slow cooker. Soaking the beans can help reduce the cooking time and make them more tender, but it’s not mandatory. Slow cookers are designed to cook beans from their dried state, so you can certainly cook the beans directly in the slow cooker without pre-soaking.

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when not soaking the beans in a slow cooker:

1. Longer cooking time: If you choose not to soak the beans, be prepared for a longer cooking time. It may take an additional hour or two for the beans to become tender. You can adjust the cooking time accordingly and keep checking for doneness until the beans reach your desired texture.
2. Ensure sufficient liquid: Since the beans won’t have the initial soak, they’ll absorb more liquid during the cooking process. Make sure to add enough broth or liquid to the slow cooker to prevent the soup from becoming too thick or drying out.

So, while soaking the beans before using the slow cooker is a common practice, it is not essential. You can still achieve delicious results by cooking the beans directly in the slow cooker, but be prepared for a longer cooking time and adjust the liquid accordingly.

Do I Really Have to Cook the Veggies first?

Cooking the vegetables before adding them to the 15-Bean Soup serves several purposes and enhances the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

1. Flavor development: Sautéing the vegetables, such as onions, celery, carrots, and garlic, helps to develop their flavors. The process of cooking them in oil or butter over medium heat allows the natural sugars in the vegetables to caramelize, resulting in a rich, savory taste. This step adds depth and complexity to the overall soup.
2. Enhanced aroma: As the vegetables cook, their natural aromas are released, filling your kitchen with enticing scents. This aroma contributes to the overall sensory experience of the soup, making it even more enticing and appetizing.
3. Improved texture: Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup helps to soften them slightly, giving them a more pleasing texture. This step ensures that the vegetables are not overly crunchy or raw, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience.
4. Flavor infusion: When the sautéed vegetables are added to the soup and simmered together, their flavors meld with the other ingredients. This process allows the flavors to blend and develop further, creating a harmonious and well-rounded taste in every spoonful.

By cooking the vegetables before adding them to the 15-Bean Soup, you enhance the overall taste, aroma, and texture of the dish. This step adds depth and complexity, making the soup a truly delightful culinary experience.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Rinse and sort through the 15 Bean Soup mix, discarding any debris or broken beans. Soak the beans overnight in water according to the package instructions. Alternatively, you can do a quick soak by bringing the beans and water to a boil, then letting them sit for 1 hour before proceeding with the recipe.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Drain the soaked beans and add them to the slow cooker as well.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, cumin, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or on high heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the beans are tender.
6. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary by adding more salt or spices according to your taste preferences.
7. Optional: For a thicker soup, you can remove about 1 cup of cooked beans and vegetables, puree them in a blender or food processor, and return them to the slow cooker. This step adds a creamier texture to the soup.
8. Serve the 15-Bean Soup hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Rinse and sort through the 15 Bean Soup mix, discarding any debris or broken beans. Place the beans in a colander and rinse them under running water.
2. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3. Cancel the “Sauté” mode. Add the drained beans, chicken broth, cumin, salt, paprika, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Close the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 30 minutes on high pressure.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release the remaining pressure.
6. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary by adding more salt or spices according to your taste preferences.
7. Optional: For a thicker soup, you can remove about 1 cup of cooked beans and vegetables, puree them in a blender or food processor, and stir them back into the Instant Pot. This step adds a creamier texture to the soup.
8. Serve the 15-Bean Soup hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Additional Additions and Variations:

While the base recipe for 15-Bean Soup is already packed with delicious ingredients, there’s always room to add your own personal touch. Here are some suggestions to enhance the flavors and customize your soup:

1. Protein Power: Add diced cooked ham, smoked sausage, or shredded chicken to add an extra layer of protein and heartiness to your soup. These additions not only boost the flavor but also make it a more filling meal.
2. Veggie Delight: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables into your soup to increase the nutritional value and add more textures. Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, kale, or spinach are excellent options. Simply add them along with the sautéed vegetables and let them cook together with the beans.
3. Tangy Twist: For a touch of acidity and brightness, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar towards the end of the cooking process. This adds a refreshing element to the soup and balances the flavors.
4. Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your desired flavor profile. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added towards the end for a burst of freshness. You can also try adding a dash of smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a pinch of cinnamon for unique and aromatic notes.
5. Heat it Up: If you enjoy a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Adjust the amount according to your tolerance level and preference.
6. Creamy Indulgence: If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving. This adds a luscious richness to the soup.

Remember, cooking is all about exploring and making it your own. Feel free to experiment with these suggestions or come up with your own creative additions to take your 15-Bean Soup to the next level. Enjoy the journey of culinary exploration!