Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This 15 bean soup slow cooker recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty soup is both satisfying and nutritious. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Get ready to enjoy one of the best recipes you'll ever try!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 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
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup navy beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup small red beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup lima beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 bay leaf
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 minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your soup.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, all types of beans, lentils, split peas, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. This is a perfect recipe for a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! This easy recipe makes a hearty and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it a meal: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and delicious dinner.
- Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 15-20g
This hearty 15 bean soup is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare. It's perfect for meal prepping, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a convenient weekend lunch. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying quick dinner idea – a true addition to your best recipes collection! This simple recipe demonstrates the power of slow cooking to create complex and flavorful dishes with minimal effort. It's a fantastic option for healthy meals and delicious dishes that are sure to become a family favorite.