If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty, and nutritious meal that you can throw together with minimal effort, look no further than an Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup. This dish is the ultimate comfort food: rich, filling, and packed with flavor. But what makes it even better is that you can make it in your Instant Pot, cutting down on cook time while still allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
This recipe is a wonderful mix of different beans, vegetables, and savory seasonings, making each spoonful a deliciously satisfying experience. Whether you’re craving a healthy lunch, a fulfilling dinner, or just want to make something easy for meal prep, this bean soup is the perfect choice. It’s ideal for those cold days when you want something warm and comforting, but it’s also light enough to enjoy any time of year.
Let’s dive right in and explore this Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup in all its glory-starting with the recipe, the ingredients you’ll need, and a few cooking tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time.
Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup Recipe
This soup is versatile, and the Instant Pot makes it a breeze to prepare. What makes this version of the soup so great is that the beans cook perfectly without requiring any pre-soaking (a real time-saver), and the end result is a rich, flavorful broth that’s full of depth. Let’s walk through the details.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to get started. These ingredients come together for a hearty, balanced, and delicious dish that has all the elements of a perfect soup:
- 15-bean mix: This can be found at most grocery stores (often by the dried beans). The mix typically includes a combination of lentils, kidney beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, navy beans, black-eyed peas, and more. You don’t need to soak them beforehand, which is a huge time-saver.
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Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (you can never have too much garlic!)
- Vegetable or chicken broth: 6 cups. This provides the base flavor for the soup. For a vegan version, stick to vegetable broth.
- Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained, for a pop of acidity and sweetness that balances the beans.
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Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (for that delicious smokiness)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
- Optional: Ham hock, turkey leg, or smoked sausage for extra flavor (can be omitted for a vegetarian version).
Cooking Instructions
The best part about this recipe? You can rely on the Instant Pot to do most of the work for you! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Set your Instant Pot to the ’Sauté’ function. Add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. You should start smelling that wonderful aroma of garlic filling your kitchen.
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Add The Rest Of The Ingredients
- Stir in the dried 15-bean mix (don’t worry, there’s no need to soak them).
- Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and pour in the broth.
- Season with smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the beans are evenly distributed and the seasonings are well incorporated.
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Pressure Cook
- Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing”.
- Set the Instant Pot to ’Pressure Cook’ or ’Manual’ on high for 35 minutes.
- When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to ’Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.
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Final Touches
- Open the lid, stir the soup, and check the seasoning. If needed, add more salt and pepper to taste.
- If you’re adding any optional meat (ham hock, turkey leg, or sausage), you can remove it now, shred it, and stir it back into the soup.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! It pairs wonderfully with a piece of crusty bread or a side salad.
Ingredient Insights
Now, let’s break down some of the ingredients and why they’re key to making this soup so special:
- 15-Bean Mix: The variety of beans in this mix offers a great balance of textures and flavors. Some beans are creamy when cooked, while others maintain a bit of bite, creating a more complex and satisfying mouthfeel.
- Smoked Paprika: This isn’t just any paprika. Smoked paprika imparts a subtle smokiness to the broth that takes the soup to the next level. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in flavor.
- Garlic and Vegetables: The foundation of any great soup is the combination of onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. These aromatics build layers of flavor that deepen as the soup cooks.
- Broth: Whether you use vegetable or chicken broth, it’s the liquid that brings everything together. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt level of your dish, as the beans will absorb some of the salt during cooking.
- Ham hock/Smoked Sausage: If you’re not keeping it vegetarian, adding a ham hock or smoked sausage will infuse the soup with a savory, meaty flavor that compliments the beans perfectly. The ham hock also adds a bit of richness, while the sausage gives the soup a nice meaty bite.
Expert Tips
Want to take this Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup from good to great? Here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t skip the Sauté step: Even though the Instant Pot will do most of the work, sautéing the vegetables first is key. It enhances their natural flavors and gives the soup a richer depth.
- Add a splash of vinegar at the end: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar added at the end of cooking brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the beans.
- Make it ahead: This soup gets better as it sits. Make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld together overnight. It’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Use a natural release: Letting the Instant Pot release pressure naturally helps keep the beans intact and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd: If you have a smaller Instant Pot, consider halving the recipe to avoid overcrowding and ensure an even cook.
Recipe Variations
This 15 Bean Soup is incredibly versatile, and you can make it your own with these fun variations:
- Vegetarian or Vegan: Skip the meat and add some diced potatoes for extra heartiness. You can also try adding mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup base for some heat. You can even add hot sauce when serving.
- Mexican-inspired: Throw in a teaspoon of cumin and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty, southwestern flavor. You could also add some corn or green chilies for a bit of variety.
- Italian-style: Add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste, some chopped spinach or kale, and finish with fresh basil for a light, herbaceous flavor.
Final Words
Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup is an incredibly satisfying, healthy, and flexible recipe. Whether you like your soup loaded with vegetables, spiced with a kick, or enhanced with a bit of meaty goodness, this dish allows for plenty of customization. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you don’t need hours of simmering to achieve deep, rich flavors-you can enjoy a comforting, flavorful soup in under an hour.
FAQs
What Beans Are Included In A 15 Bean Soup Mix?
A typical 15 bean soup mix includes a variety of beans such as pinto, navy, black, kidney, great northern, lima, garbanzo, red beans, and more. Some mixes may include additional beans like adzuki or mung beans.
Do I Need To Soak The Beans Before Making 15 Bean Soup In An Instant Pot?
No, you do not need to soak the beans before cooking in an Instant Pot. The pressure cooking method cooks the beans quickly and thoroughly without the need for pre-soaking.
How Long Does It Take To Cook 15 Bean Soup In An Instant Pot?
Cooking 15 bean soup in an Instant Pot typically takes around 35-40 minutes at high pressure, followed by a natural release of pressure for 10-15 minutes.
Can I Add Meat To My Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup?
Yes, adding meat like ham hocks, bacon, sausage, or even chicken is a popular choice to enhance the flavor of the soup. Just add it along with the beans and seasonings before pressure cooking.
What Seasonings Are Commonly Used In 15 Bean Soup?
Common seasonings for 15 bean soup include garlic, onion, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Some recipes may also include a packet of seasoning that comes with the bean mix.
Can I Use Dried Beans Instead Of A Pre-packaged 15 Bean Mix?
Yes, you can use individual dried beans, but you’ll need to ensure you have 15 different types. You can select your preferred beans, and you’ll need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the variety of beans you choose.
How Do I Make The Soup Thicker In The Instant Pot?
To thicken the soup, you can either mash some of the beans after cooking or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternatively, you can add cornstarch or flour mixed with water towards the end of cooking to thicken the broth.
Can I Freeze The Leftover Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup?
Yes, you can freeze leftover 15 bean soup. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What Should I Serve With 15 Bean Soup?
15 bean soup is typically served with crusty bread or cornbread. You can also pair it with a side salad or simple roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I Make A Vegetarian Version Of 15 Bean Soup In The Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of 15 bean soup by omitting meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can enhance the flavor with extra seasonings, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke for a smoky taste.