Hearty 15 Bean Soup Recipe with Smoked Sausage

Introduction

This hearty 15 Bean Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days or cozy family dinners. Loaded with tender beans, smoky sausage, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this protein-packed soup is both filling and delicious. Slow simmering allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal that tastes even better the next day. Whether served with cornbread, crackers, or crusty bread, this classic bean soup recipe is an easy and budget-friendly dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces 15 bean soup mixture
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram or dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Add the beans to a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Sort through the beans and discard any debris or damaged beans. Place the beans in a large bowl or pot and cover with cold water. Soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and sliced smoked sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the sausage is browned.
3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, thyme, marjoram, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly so the garlic and spices become fragrant. Add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
4. Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until the beans and carrots are tender, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 1½ to 2 hours depending on the beans.
7. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
8. Serve hot with cornbread, crackers, or crusty bread if desired.

Conclusion

This homemade 15 Bean Soup is a warm, hearty, and flavorful meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week. The combination of smoky sausage, tender beans, vegetables, and bold spices creates a comforting soup that is both nutritious and satisfying. Easy to prepare and packed with rich flavor, this classic soup recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.