Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy meal? Look no further than this 15 bean soup recipe with sausage! This delicious and satisfying dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend lunch. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and tons of flavor, making it a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey.
Ingredients:
This recipe uses a pre-made 15-bean soup mix for convenience, but you can certainly create your own blend from scratch using dried beans.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy, your preference!)
- 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 diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional, if not included in your bean mix)
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (optional, if not included in your bean mix)
- 1 (24-ounce) bag 15-bean soup mix
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients and Simmer:
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans (if using), cannellini beans (if using), 15-bean soup mix, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best 15 Bean Soup:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a bay leaf for a more complex flavor.
- For a thicker soup: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It's one of those recipes that gets even better with time.
- Add some greens: A handful of spinach or kale added during the last 10 minutes of cooking adds nutrients and color.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage for a delicious vegetarian version. You can add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
- Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Heartier: Add some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 10-15 grams
This 15 bean soup with sausage recipe is a wonderful example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are easy to make. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, it's a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy this hearty and healthy addition to your best recipes collection!