How To Make 15 Bean Soup (Easy And Delicious)

This is an old fashioned 15 bean soup recipe with ham, includes navy, black, pinto, and lima beans. Learn how to make this simple bean soup with easy to follow instructions below.

15 Bean Soup Recipe with Ham

I love a good old fashioned bean soup recipe. And this version does not disappoint. It starts with dried mixed beans, and I recommend using a 15 bean mix. The beans are soaked and cooked slowly with chunks of ham.

Then, a handful of flavorful ingredients including onions, garlic, and canned diced tomatoes are added to make the most delightful combination. Served with cornbread or plain saltine crackers, it is comfort food at its best.

Wintery Day Bean Soup

The original name of this soup is called Wintery Day Bean Soup. While it would be absolutely comforting on a cold winter day, I also love it on a regular old day.

Who knew beans could be so delicious. My dear friend Diane shared this recipe with me after Thanksgiving. She said it is a favorite of her family, and now, it’s a favorite of mine too.

Ingredients

• Dried, mixed bean soup (15 bean soup recipe mix), discard the seasoning packet
• Salt
• Water
• Diced ham
• Small White Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Chili Powder
• Ground Cumin
• Canned, diced tomatoes, do not drain
• Lemon Juice

How to make 15 bean soup with ham

Step by Step Instructions

1. Rinse beans in cold water; place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt, stir, and soak overnight.
2. Drain. Add beans back to the pot; add 2 quarts water and diced ham.
3. Simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Add a little more water if needed.
4. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, undrained tomatoes and lemon juice. Stir well.
5. Simmer for 45 minutes or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Add a little more water, if needed.
6. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Equipment

Before you start making this easy soup featuring ham and 15 beans, check your pantry to make sure you have all the ingredients and tools you need.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool. Transfer to an airtight container, or cover with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Recipe Variations

• Use smoked sausage instead of smoked ham.
• Other types of dried beans can be used such as pinto beans or navy beans.
• Use chicken broth instead of water.
• Add a leftover ham bone or ham hock in with the beans as they simmer for more ham flavor, if desired.
• Love vegetables? Add your favorites such as diced carrots and celery.
• Dried herbs such as thyme or bay leaves could be added.

Recipe FAQs

• This 15 bean soup recipe was originally called Wintery Day Bean Soup.
• You may need to add a little extra water as the beans are cooking.
• Ground cumin is optional.

What are the names of the 15 beans?

There’s actually more than 15 varieties of beans, and in a bag of 15 bean soup, you’ll see 15 of these following varieties:

• Great Northern Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Large Lima Beans
• Yelloweye Beans
• Baby Lima
• Garbanzo
• Green Split Pea
• Kidney Beans
• Cranberry Bean
• Small White Bean
• Pink Bean
• Small Red Beans
• Yellow Split Peas
• Lentils
• Navy Beans
• White Kidney Beans
• Black Beans

How do you thicken bean soup without cornstarch?

One way to thicken bean soup without using cornstarch is by mashing a portion of the cooked beans. Take a ladleful of beans from the soup and mash them with a fork or blend them briefly in a blender or food processor. Then, add the mashed beans back into the soup. This will help to thicken the soup naturally and give it a creamy texture. Another option is to simmer the soup uncovered for some time to reduce the liquid and thicken it.

Leftover Ham Recipes

• Jambalaya
• Ham and Cheese Quiche
• Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole
• Ham, Green Beans and Potatoes
• Ham and Beans using Randall Beans