Welcome, my fellow foodies! Today’s recipe is all about vegetarian 15 bean soup, a classic and hearty meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are already a fan of this dish or looking for new healthy and delicious dinner ideas that won’t break the bank, this nutritious combination of 15 types of beans with veggies and aromatic spices in a fragrant broth will quickly become your go-to weeknight dinner or meal prep staple.

As you might have guessed from its name, 15 bean soup calls for a selection of dried beans mixed together in one bag, making it an economical and smart option for stretching your dollar while exploring different textures and flavors. And did I mention that it is jam-packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals? Yes indeed, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition that will keep you satisfied and fueled for hours.

Tender carrots, celery ribs, and onions add natural sweetness to balance the savory notes, while garlic, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and oregano add a subtle kick to wake up your palate. If you like it extra spicy, don’t be shy to add more Tabasco or hot sauce to adjust the heat.

Plus, unlike some traditional meat-based bean soups that require hours of simmering on the stove until the beans are tender enough to eat, this recipe uses dry beans that are pre-soaked overnight (or use the quick soak method) so they cook faster and retain their shape. You can choose to cook it in an Instant Pot or slow cooker for hands-off convenience or on the stovetop if preferred.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of vegetarian 15 bean soup together! Get ready to discover new aromas and flavors while enjoying hearty comfort food that fits perfectly with your clean eating lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hey there fellow foodies! Let me tell you why you’re going to love this Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup Recipe. For starters, it’s a high protein, flavorful soup perfect for any clean eating enthusiast looking to get their daily dose of essential nutrients in one delectable bowl.

Now, I know some of you may be skeptical about giving up meat and switching to a plant-based diet. But let me tell you, this soup seasoner is here to change your mind!

This recipe features 15 different types of beans, creating a medley of textures and flavors in every spoonful. You’ll taste the richness of kidney beans, the creaminess of navy beans, and the earthiness of black-eyed peas all in one soup. Plus, no boring canned soup ingredients here. We use only fresh and whole ingredients like carrots, celery ribs, garlic cloves, and onions – combining for an explosion of flavors in each bite.

But wait, it gets better! This Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup Recipe is so versatile. You can make it in different ways with slow cooker and instant pots methods that cater to your busy life schedule. Want a bit more spice? Add some cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce to compliment the Cajun seasoning already mixed into the beans soup mix.

Most importantly, this Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup Recipe doesn’t make you feel heavy or bogged down after consumption. It’s light on calories – perfect for those who want a hearty meal without sacrificing their health goals.

So go ahead and try this fantastic recipe for yourself! Not only will you savor the rich flavors of every ingredient mixed together perfectly; but with 2 cups finely diced veggies per bowl – this wholly satisfying vegetarian soup will keep you fueled all day long. Trust us – once you’ve had a serving or two – this Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup Recipe will become your new favorite!

Ingredient List

Fully loaded with colorful beans and veggies!

Here are the kitchen ingredients you’ll need to make this hearty vegetarian 15 bean soup recipe:

1 package (20 oz) of 15 bean soup mix
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 carrots, peeled and finely diced
4 celery ribs, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
8 cups of vegetable stock or water
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 tablespoon of oregano
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
Tabasco sauce to taste (optional)
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor. Don’t forget to discard the included flavor packet in the bean soup mix before using it.

The Recipe How-To

Cozy up with a warm bowl of this flavorful soup.

Now, we get to the heart of the matter: how to make this delicious Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup. This recipe is versatile and flexible, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a large group of people or just want to meal prep for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger while also providing a nutritious and high protein meal. Below are the instructions on how to make this amazing soup.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the recipe:

1 (20 ounce) package of 15 bean soup mix (flavor packet discarded)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 carrots, diced
3 celery ribs, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups of vegetable stock or water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

Rinse the beans well in cold water using a colander.
In a pot or instant pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until they begin to soften, about five minutes.
Next, add garlic, chili powder, cumin powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine and coat vegetables with spices.
Pour in the rinsed beans along with the vegetable stock or water.
Add dried oregano and bay leaves to the pot.
Cover with a tight lid if using a pot; set the pressure valve to sealing if using an instant pot. Cook on high pressure for about one hour if using an instant pot; cook on medium heat for about two hours if using a pot.
After you’re done cooking, release pressure from the Instant Pot carefully before opening the lid.
Remove bay leaves from the pot and discard them.
Give your soup a final seasoning touch by adding salt and ground black pepper according to your taste preference.
If you’d like some extra flavor, add some drops of Tabasco sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving!

Chef’s Tip

The longer you cook this soup, the more flavorful it will be! You can prepare this soup in advance in your slow cooker or pressure cooker so that it’s ready when you get home from work or when guests arrive at your house.

I hope you enjoy making my vegetarian bean soup recipe!

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some suggestions to make this vegetarian 15 bean soup recipe even more versatile and delicious. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your own personal variations!

– Veggies Switch-Up: This 15 bean soup recipe is very flexible when it comes to vegetables. Carrots and celery are classic soup ingredients, but you can swap them for other veggies like potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash or zucchini. You can also add leafy greens like kale or spinach in the last minutes of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.

– Spices and Seasonings: The seasoning blend in this vegetarian bean soup has a Cajun-inspired flair, but you can adjust it to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder. For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or use chipotle chili powder instead. You can also add other dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for more complexity.

– Beans Variety: This recipe calls for a 15-bean soup mix which usually includes navy beans, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, lentils, and others. However, you can use any type of dry bean that you like or have on hand. Black-eyed peas, chickpeas, cannellini beans or white beans would all work well in this flavorful vegetarian soup.

– Protein Power-Up: If you want to boost the protein content of this 15-bean soup even more, add some vegan sausage crumbles or sliced plant-based meat like seitan or tempeh. You can also stir in some cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra texture and substance.

Overall, feel free to get creative with this vegetarian 15-bean soup recipe and make it your own! As long as you follow the basic structure of the recipe and cook the dry beans thoroughly beforehand (using a slow cooker or pressure cooker), almost anything goes.

Serving and Pairing

I guarantee you won't miss the meat in this soup. — I guarantee you won’t miss the meat in this soup.

Once your vegetarian 15 bean soup is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve it! This hearty and filling soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy lunch.

A classic way to serve 15 bean soup is with some crusty bread on the side. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful broth and makes for a perfectly satisfying meal.

For a more filling meal, pair the soup with a salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will be an excellent side and will add freshness to your meal. If you’re looking for something heartier, you can add some quinoa or brown rice to your salad.

This dish can also be used as a topping on baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. It will add more texture, flavor and nutrition to your dish. You can also serve it with some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower.

If you’re looking for something more indulgent, serve the soup with tortillas chips or crackers on the side. You can sprinkle the chips over the soup or use them to dip in the soup.

A glass of red blend wine pairs perfectly with this soup but if you prefer non-alcoholic options, fresh lemon water or iced tea will go well with this dish.

Whatever serving and pairing option you choose, making sure that each spoonful is full of flavor and comfort, making it a favorite in your recipe book!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Let me tell you, this vegetarian 15 bean soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or even frozen for later use. Just let it cool down to room temperature before storing it in airtight containers. When reheating, add a little bit of vegetable stock or water since the beans will have absorbed most of the liquid while stored.

I would also suggest making a double batch and freezing half so that you’ll always have some on hand for a quick dinner when you need it. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

When reheating, you can use the microwave or stove-top method. If using the microwave, simply transfer your soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat until steaming hot. If using the stove-top method, pour your soup into a pan and simmer over low heat stirring occasionally.

One thing to keep in mind is that the longer the soup sits, the thicker it will become due to the beans absorbing liquid as they sit. Simply add more liquid as necessary to adjust consistency.

This soup also tastes even better on day two after all those delicious flavors have had time to meld together. Yes, that’s right! After sitting in your fridge overnight, this soup will taste even more flavorful than when freshly made. So don’t hesitate to make this recipe ahead of time for an effortless dinner meal during your busiest evening schedules.

Tips for Perfect Results

A delicious way to get in a variety of nutrients.

Are you ready to cook up a seriously hearty and flavorful vegetarian 15 bean soup? Let me share my top tips for ensuring perfect results every time.

1. Soak the Beans Overnight

For the best texture and flavor, I recommend soaking your dried beans overnight in water. This process helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time, making them more digestible.

2. Use High-Quality Ingredients

Since this recipe hinges on the flavor of the beans and vegetables, it’s important to use high-quality, fresh produce. Opt for organic vegetables and use homemade vegetable stock or a high-quality store-bought variety.

3. Add Spice Gradually

If you’re sensitive to spice, be careful when adding cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce or chili powder. Add them gradually, little by little until you reach your desired level of spiciness.

4. Control Salt Levels

The flavor packet that comes with your 15 bean soup mix is usually packed with salt, so make sure to discard it when preparing your soup. Instead, add salt gradually as needed during the cooking process.

5. Adjust Liquid Levels

The amount of liquid needed will vary depending on how long you soak your beans and which cooking method you use (slow cooker, pressure cooker or stovetop). Start with the recommended amount of liquid and adjust as needed throughout cooking.

6. Experiment with Different Variations

While this vegetarian 15 bean soup recipe is delicious as-is, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, herbs or vegetables. Try adding extra diced tomatoes for a more acidic taste or throwing in veggies like sweet potato or butternut squash for a seasonal twist.

By following these tips, you’ll be whipping up the best vegetarian 15 bean soup in no time!

FAQ

Alright, before we wrap up, let’s dive into some common inquiries about this vegetarian 15 bean soup recipe. I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help answer any remaining concerns or issues you might have regarding the preparation and cooking of this delish dish. Let’s take a look!

How healthy is 15 bean soup?

Without a doubt, 15 bean soup is a healthy meal option. It is packed with protein and fiber as it contains beans, which are known to provide a feeling of fullness. Additionally, the soup recipe incorporates an abundance of carrots, which are a great source of beta carotene, vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and potassium.

What beans are in the 15 bean soup?

This recipe consists of a wonderful array of 15 different types of beans, including northern, pinto, large lima, yelloweye, garbanzo, baby lima, green split, kidney, cranberry, small white, pink, small red, yellow split, lentil, navy, white kidney, and black bean.

Why is my 15 bean soup bland?

To enhance the taste of the soup, it’s crucial to note that the beans are being cooked in water, which may result in a lack of flavor. Therefore, a generous amount of salt should be added when serving the soup to bring out all of its delicious flavors.

Is 15 bean soup low carb?

This recipe of Ham Beans 15 Bean Soup provides a total of 20g of carbs, out of which 11g are net carbs. It contains 0.5g of fat, 8g of protein and provides 120 calories.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty and healthy meals. With the perfect combination of spices, vegetables, and beans, this soup provides a high protein and clean eating option for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Whether you choose to make it in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove-top, this soup will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas that are sure to delight your taste buds.

By using kitchen staples like olive oil and onions, this recipe is budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all levels. This soup can be served as a main course with crusty bread or as a side dish to complement any meal. And with its long shelf life, vegetarian 15 bean soup can be made ahead of time and stored for easy reheating later.

So don’t hesitate to try this delicious Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup recipe today! Share this recipe with your friends and family so they too can experience the rich flavors of mixed beans in a delightful way. Whether you’re looking for new vegan recipes or simply want to enjoy a flavorful soup packed with nutrients, you won’t regret giving this recipe a try.

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Jolo

Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.