Description
Hearty and nutritious Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup featuring a medley of beans, vegetables, and savory seasonings simmered to perfection for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Beans and Vegetables
- 1 bag (20 oz) 15 bean soup mix
- 1 small onion or half of a large onion, peeled and diced
- 15.5 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2-4 cups water (adjust to desired broth thickness)
Instructions
- Rinse and Sort Beans: Place the 15 bean soup mix in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Carefully inspect to remove any debris or damaged beans, then drain well before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the celery stalks and dice the onion into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Drain the canned diced tomatoes to avoid excess liquid.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock: Add the rinsed beans, chopped celery, diced onion, and drained tomatoes directly into the crockpot.
- Add Seasonings: Mince the garlic cloves finely and add them along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper to the crockpot, distributing evenly for balanced flavor.
- Pour Liquids: Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth followed by 2 cups of water. Stir the mixture gently. If you prefer a thinner soup, add up to an additional 2 cups of water as needed.
- Mix and Cook: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine, ensuring the beans are submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for about 4 hours. The beans should be tender and flavors well blended when done.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight is not necessary as slow cooking will soften them sufficiently.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste; consider using low sodium broth for a healthier option.
- For added flavor, you can include herbs like bay leaves or thyme during cooking and remove before serving.
- Add chopped greens such as spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes for extra nutrition.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American