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Hearty 15 Bean Soup with Ham (Slow Cooker Option)

Close-up of a white bowl filled with savory 15 bean soup, topped with chunks of ham.
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This recipe shows you how to make a truly comforting and filling 15 bean soup using a mix of dried beans and leftover ham. It is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (16 ounce) package 15 or 16 bean soup mix (do not use beans that contain lentils)
  • 1 pound smoked ham hock or leftover ham bone (or 1 cup diced cooked ham)
  • 8 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for flavor balance)

Instructions

  1. If your bean mix requires pre-soaking, follow the package directions. If using a quick-soak method, place the beans in a large pot, cover with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain the beans.
  2. Place the drained beans, ham hock or bone, water or broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper into your slow cooker.
  3. Add the apple cider vinegar, if using.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
  5. Once cooked, remove the ham bone or hock. Shred any usable meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  6. Stir the soup well. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash about 1 cup of the beans against the side of the slow cooker and stir them back in.
  7. Taste and add salt if needed (ham is often salty enough). Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a quicker stovetop version, combine all ingredients except the vinegar in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender.
  • This soup freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
  • If you do not have a ham bone, use 1 cup of diced smoked ham and add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenican.com/easy-bean-soup-recipe-comfort-food/