Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly healthy meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this 15 bean soup crock pot recipe! This delicious soup is packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying weeknight dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It's one of those easy recipes that will become a staple in your healthy meals repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can mixed beans, undrained (cannellini, kidney, etc.) – this is a great shortcut for convenience!
- 1 (15-ounce) can of your favorite beans – try black beans or pinto beans
- 1 cup dried 15-bean soup mix (rinsed)
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your homemade cooking.
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Combine ingredients in the crock pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, canned beans, dried beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender. The longer it simmers, the more delicious the flavors will become!
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Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. This hearty soup makes a wonderful quick dinner idea, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Tips for the Best 15 Bean Soup:
- Soaking the beans: For an even richer, creamier soup, soak the dried beans overnight before cooking. This will reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. However, using canned beans is a perfectly acceptable shortcut!
- Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize your soup's flavor. Smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder would all be delicious additions.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Make it a meal: Serve your 15 bean soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Ensure you use vegetable broth and omit any non-vegetarian ingredients.
- Spicy 15 Bean Soup: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Meaty 15 Bean Soup: Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the vegetables for a heartier soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Around 15-20g
- Fiber: Around 10-15g
This recipe is a great example of delicious dishes you can easily create with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Enjoy this hearty, healthy, and flavorful 15 bean soup! It's one of the best recipes for a comforting and satisfying meal.