Savory Smoky Ham and Hearty 15 Bean Soup
This Savory Smoky Ham and Hearty 15 Bean Soup is a deliciously rich and comforting dish that seamlessly marries two classic bean soup recipes. Bursting with flavors from the smoked ham hock and crispy bacon, this hearty soup delivers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly tangy tastes. The combination of 15 different beans not only adds depth to the flavor but also packs the soup with nutrients. It's ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep, as it freezes beautifully and only gets better with time. Whether you choose to soak the beans overnight for a more tender bite or opt for the quick-soak method to save time, each bowl will warm your soul!
N/A
Servings
231
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
15 bean soup mix
8 ounces (soaked using overnight or quick-soak method)
smoked ham hock
1 lb (whole)
bacon
4 slices (chopped and pre-cooked halfway)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
diced tomatoes
15 ounces (canned)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
carrot
1/2 cup (finely shredded)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
hot sauce
1 dash (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by either soaking the beans overnight in water or using the quick-soak method as instructed on the bean package.
2
Once soaked, drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add 2 quarts of fresh water.
3
Introduce the smoked ham hock and partially cooked bacon to the pot, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
Reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the soup to cook uncovered for about 2 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
5
After the beans have softened, remove the ham hock from the pot and carefully shred the meat from the bone with two forks. Return the shredded meat back to the pot.
6
Incorporate the diced tomatoes, chili powder, lemon juice, shredded carrots, minced garlic, and hot sauce into the soup. Stir well to combine.
7
Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beans reach your desired tenderness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
24g
Carbs
15g
Protein
6g
Fiber
263mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare the 15 bean soup mix?
You can prepare the beans by either soaking them overnight in water or using the quick-soak method as described on the bean package instructions.
What meat is used in this soup recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of one pound of smoked ham hock and four slices of chopped bacon.
How much water is needed to start the soup?
After draining the soaked beans, you should add 2 quarts of fresh water to the pot.
How long does the initial simmer take?
The initial simmer, which includes the beans, ham hock, and bacon, takes about 2 1/2 hours.
When do I remove the ham hock from the pot?
You should remove the ham hock after the beans have softened, typically after the first 2 1/2 hours of simmering.
How do I prepare the meat from the ham hock?
Carefully shred the meat from the ham hock bone using two forks and then return the shredded meat back into the soup pot.
What vegetables are added to the soup?
The soup includes chopped onion, canned diced tomatoes, finely shredded carrots, and minced garlic.
Why is lemon juice added to the bean soup?
Lemon juice is added to provide a slightly tangy taste that balances the smoky and savory flavors of the ham and bacon.
What spices give the soup its flavor?
The primary seasonings used are chili powder, garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
How much longer should the soup cook after adding vegetables?
Simmer the soup for an additional 45 to 60 minutes after incorporating the tomatoes, carrots, and seasonings.
Can I freeze Savory Smoky Ham and Hearty 15 Bean Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully and often tastes even better after the flavors have had more time to meld.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 231 calories.
How much protein is in this soup?
This hearty bean soup provides 15 grams of protein per serving.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, it contains 6 grams of fiber per serving, making it a nutritious and filling meal.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 6 grams per serving.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
The soup contains about 263mg of sodium per serving.
Do I need to cook the bacon fully before adding it?
The bacon should be chopped and pre-cooked about halfway before being added to the pot with the ham hock.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
The instructions suggest allowing the soup to cook uncovered for the first 2 1/2 hours.
What should I do if the water level gets too low?
You should stir the soup occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the beans fully submerged.
How do I know when the soup is finished?
The soup is done when the beans have reached your desired level of tenderness.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili powder to suit your personal spice preference.
What are some recommended garnishes?
You can serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or crunchy croutons.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is ideal for meal prep as it yields a hearty amount and stores well.
How much 15 bean soup mix is required?
You will need 8 ounces of the 15 bean soup mix for this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for one minced garlic clove.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
A 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes is recommended for this recipe.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires one cup of chopped onion.
Does the soup contain sugar?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no sugar listed for this recipe.
How much carrot is added?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely shredded carrot.
What makes this soup smoky?
The smoky flavor comes from the combination of the smoked ham hock and the pre-cooked bacon pieces.