Savory Smoky 15-Bean Barbecue Soup
Indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of this Savory Smoky 15-Bean Barbecue Soup, crafted to warm your soul. Packed with protein-rich beans and a tangy sweetness from the barbecue sauce, every spoonful delivers a robust taste experience. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to share at your next gathering, this recipe transforms a humble bean mix into a comforting and satisfying meal. Ideal for chilly days, it pairs wonderfully with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. Simple to prepare in your slow cooker, this dish allows time for the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it a definitive favorite, whether for casual meals or entertaining guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
ham-flavored 15 bean soup mix
1 (20 ounce package, set aside seasoning packet)
water
1 quart (for soaking and cooking)
barbecue sauce
1 cup (any preferred variety)
onions
2 (medium, chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by setting aside the seasoning packet from the soup mix. In a large colander, place the 15 bean mix, and thoroughly pick through the beans to remove any debris.
2
Rinse the beans under running water to clean them, then transfer them to a large bowl or pot and cover with water. Allow the beans to soak for 8 hours to soften.
3
After soaking, drain the beans in the colander, discarding the soaking water, and rinse them again under running water.
4
Return the rinsed beans to the slow cooker, adding 1 quart of fresh water along with the barbecue sauce and chopped onions. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 10 hours, or until the beans are tender and full of flavor.
6
An hour before the cooking time is complete, add the seasoning packet to the soup, stirring to incorporate it evenly.
7
Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Smoky 15-Bean Barbecue Soup?
It is a hearty, protein-rich bean soup slow-cooked with barbecue sauce and onions for a robust and comforting flavor profile.
How should I prepare the beans before cooking?
You should pick through the 15-bean mix to remove debris, rinse them thoroughly, and soak them for 8 hours.
Do I need to soak the beans?
Yes, soaking the beans for 8 hours is necessary to soften them before they go into the slow cooker.
What should I do with the seasoning packet included in the mix?
Set the seasoning packet aside at the beginning and add it to the soup one hour before the 10-hour cooking time is complete.
How much water do I need for the cooking process?
You will need 1 quart of fresh water to add to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
What kind of barbecue sauce is best for this recipe?
You can use one cup of any preferred variety of barbecue sauce, whether it is sweet, smoky, or spicy.
How many onions are required?
The recipe calls for two medium onions, which should be chopped before adding to the slow cooker.
How long does this soup take to cook in a slow cooker?
The soup should be cooked on the low setting for a total of 10 hours.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Taste the soup once it is finished cooking and add salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
Can I make this soup on a stovetop?
While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, it can be made on a stovetop by simmering the soaked beans and ingredients for 2 to 3 hours until tender.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The soup uses a 'ham-flavored' mix; check the packet ingredients to ensure it fits your dietary needs as some use artificial flavoring while others use meat products.
What are the best side dishes for this soup?
It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the savory broth.
Can I add meat to this 15-bean soup?
Yes, adding ham hocks, leftover ham, or smoked sausage would complement the smoky barbecue flavors well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this barbecue bean soup?
Yes, bean soup freezes very well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
What if the beans are still hard after 10 hours?
Ensure the beans were soaked properly and that you didn't add salt too early, as salt can sometimes prevent beans from softening.
Can I use a high setting on the slow cooker instead?
You can cook it on high for about 5 to 6 hours, but the low setting for 10 hours allows for better flavor development.
What is the purpose of rinsing the beans after soaking?
Rinsing removes the sugars released during soaking that can cause digestive discomfort.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?
Yes, substituting water with vegetable or chicken broth can add even more depth of flavor to the base.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure that your barbecue sauce and the seasoning packet in the bean mix are certified gluten-free.
How do I adjust the spiciness?
You can use a spicy barbecue sauce or add red pepper flakes during the last hour of cooking.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended to accommodate the beans, water, and other ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly; carrots, celery, or bell peppers make great additions and can be added at the start of cooking.
What if I forgot to soak the beans overnight?
You can use the quick-soak method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit off the heat for 1 hour before draining.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on a 20-ounce package of beans, this recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I use dried onions?
Fresh onions are recommended for texture, but you can substitute with 1/4 cup of dried minced onions if needed.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors often improve the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
Does the barbecue sauce make the soup too sweet?
The sweetness is balanced by the onions and the savory seasoning packet, resulting in a tangy, robust flavor.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup is thicker than you prefer, simply stir in a little extra water or broth until you reach the desired consistency.