Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup Recipe

Ah, the weather is getting chilly, and what better way to warm up than with a hearty, comforting bowl of soup? One soup that stands out for its rich flavor, health benefits, and satisfying textures is Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup. This delicious and filling dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly versatile and packed with nutrients.

The beauty of 15 Bean Soup lies in its blend of various beans, each contributing a unique flavor and texture. Add in some savory vegetables, herbs, and spices, and you’ve got yourself a meal that can stand alone or complement any main dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a satisfying meal. So, let’s dive into the details of how to make this cozy and delicious dish!

Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup Recipe

Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup isn’t just a regular soup; it’s a nutritious powerhouse. With its combination of beans, vegetables, and spices, it offers a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility; you can make it as spicy or mild as you like and even throw in some extra ingredients if you’re feeling adventurous. But before we get to the magic of the recipe, let’s go over the key ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients Needed

This is the fun part-gathering your ingredients! The recipe calls for 15 different types of beans, but don’t worry. Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup makes it simple by offering a pre-mixed bean blend. Still, it’s important to know what beans you’re getting into and why each one plays a key role in the final flavor and texture.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup Mix – The star of the show! This pre-packaged mix includes 15 different beans, such as kidney, navy, lima, and pinto beans, which bring a variety of textures and flavors to the soup.
• Vegetables – Think of onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. These classic aromatics create the base of the soup’s flavor, infusing it with richness and warmth.
• Ham Bone or Ham Hocks – This adds the smoky, meaty depth that makes the soup so irresistible. The ham bone imparts a delicious savory flavor while also contributing a nice texture to the broth.
• Vegetable Broth – You can also use chicken broth if you prefer a more robust flavor, but vegetable broth keeps the soup a bit lighter and is perfect for vegetarians.
• Spices – The seasoning is a key part of this recipe. You’ll need bay leaves, thyme, paprika, and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, cayenne pepper is a great addition.
• Salt and Pepper – You’ll need these to taste, but be cautious about adding too much salt, as the ham bone and broth can already contribute quite a bit of sodium.
• Tomato Paste – Adds a rich depth and subtle acidity to the soup, balancing out the heaviness of the beans and ham.

Cooking Instructions

The cooking process for Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup is straightforward, but it does require a bit of time to ensure all the flavors meld together perfectly. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sort and Rinse Beans – First things first, go through the beans and remove any debris. Give them a good rinse under cold water to get rid of any dust or dirt.
2. Soak the Beans – Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight, or if you’re pressed for time, use the quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 5 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour.
3. Prepare the Soup Base – While the beans are soaking, chop up your vegetables. Dice the onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic as well.
4. Cook the Ham – In a separate pan, sear the ham hocks or ham bone on medium heat for a few minutes to develop a nice brown crust.
5. Sauté Vegetables – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and become aromatic. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Add Beans and Broth – Once the vegetables are ready, add the soaked and drained beans to the pot, along with the ham bone (or hocks), vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
7. Simmer – Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Cover the pot and cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened.
8. Season to Taste – Towards the end of the cooking time, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Add salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if you want more flavor or heat.
9. Serve and Enjoy – Once the soup has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove the ham bone or hocks. Shred any remaining meat and stir it back into the soup. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s talk about some of the standout ingredients in this soup and why they’re so special.

• Hamm’s 15 Bean Mix – The variety of beans is what gives this soup its hearty, rich texture. Each bean has its own unique flavor and consistency, from creamy navy beans to slightly firmer kidney beans. This diverse mix also ensures that the soup is packed with fiber and protein, making it filling and nutritious.
• Ham Bone/Ham Hocks – The smoky, savory essence of the ham is key in adding depth to the soup. The fat from the ham imparts richness to the broth, making it extra comforting and satisfying.
• Vegetables – Carrots, celery, and onions (also known as the “mirepoix” in French cooking) are the holy trinity of many soups. They offer a foundation of flavor that balances the heaviness of the beans and ham, creating a more well-rounded dish.
• Tomato Paste – The tomato paste isn’t just for color. It adds a hint of acidity that helps cut through the richness of the soup, making each spoonful feel balanced.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup to the next level? Here are some expert tips that can help you perfect the recipe:

• Soak the Beans Overnight – Soaking the beans not only helps with digestion but also speeds up the cooking time. It allows the beans to cook more evenly and absorb all the flavors from the broth.
• Add a Smoked Ham Shank – If you’re looking for even more flavor, try using a smoked ham shank instead of a regular ham bone. It will infuse the soup with an extra layer of smokiness that is absolutely delicious.
• Stir Occasionally – Beans can sometimes stick to the bottom of the pot, especially when simmering for long periods. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure nothing burns and that the flavors blend properly.
• Add Greens – If you want to boost the nutritional value, throw in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt into the soup and add an extra layer of color and health benefits.

Recipe Variations

Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can make this dish your own:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option – Omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version. You can add a smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to recreate that smoky flavor.
• Spicy Version – If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños, a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or even a chipotle pepper for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Add Potatoes – Throw in a few diced potatoes for an extra layer of texture and heartiness. They’ll absorb the flavors of the soup and make it even more filling.
• Use Different Meats – If you don’t have ham hocks or a ham bone, try using sausage or even bacon for that smoky, savory flavor.

Final Words

Hamm’s 15 Bean Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition. Whether you’re making it on a chilly evening for your family or bringing it to a potluck, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. The combination of beans, vegetables, and savory ham creates a rich, flavorful soup that’s perfect for warming you up when you need it most.

This recipe is forgiving, allowing you to adjust ingredients to your taste while still creating something that’s both delicious and nutritious. The best part? It gets better as it sits, so leftovers the next day are just as comforting.