When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot quite like a hearty soup. Now, imagine combining a savory ham flavor with a nutritious and filling 15-bean blend – the result is a bowl of Instant Pot Ham and 15 Bean Soup that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a chilly day or a meal that can stretch over a few days, this recipe is a game changer.
What makes this dish even better is how the Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing any flavor. The beans, which normally require hours to cook on the stove, get tender in a fraction of the time. The ham infuses the broth with a smoky richness, and with the variety of beans, each bite is packed with texture and nutrition. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean afterward – always a plus!
So, whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot pro or a newbie to the world of pressure cooking, this recipe will have you creating a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor in no time.
Instant Pot Ham And 15 Bean Soup Recipe
This Instant Pot Ham and 15 Bean Soup recipe is the perfect blend of protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s a wholesome meal that makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. The combination of the 15 different beans creates a rich, hearty texture that pairs wonderfully with the smokiness of the ham. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients Needed
For the base of this soup, you’ll need a simple set of ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – the ingredients work together to create a rich, flavorful dish without being too complicated.
- Ham: 2-3 cups of diced ham (leftovers from a holiday ham work perfectly, but you can also use a ham steak or a ham hock if you prefer). The ham adds a smoky richness to the broth.
- 15 Bean Soup Mix: Most grocery stores offer pre-packaged 15-bean soup mixes, which include a variety of beans like pinto, kidney, navy, black, and lima beans. The mix provides different textures and flavors that make the soup satisfying.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped. Onions bring in that savory, aromatic base that all great soups need.
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped. Carrots add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Celery: 2 stalks of celery, chopped. Celery gives the soup a nice crunch and adds depth to the flavor.
- Garlic: 3-4 garlic cloves, minced. Garlic is a must-have in any savory soup for that fragrant, savory note.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. The broth helps bring all the flavors together and serves as the soup’s base.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds a rich, slightly tangy depth of flavor.
- Bay Leaves: 2 dried bay leaves. Bay leaves enhance the aroma of the soup and round out the flavor profile.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices bring layers of flavor, with the smoked paprika being especially important for that ham-friendly, smoky undertone.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables at the beginning. A couple of tablespoons of olive oil will do the trick.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking with an Instant Pot is all about ease, and this recipe is no exception. Follow these steps for a smooth, hassle-free process:
-
Sauté The Veggies
- Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften and become aromatic.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. You want the garlic to release its fragrance without burning it.
-
Add The Remaining Ingredients
- Turn off the ’Sauté’ mode. Add the ham, 15-bean mix (make sure you’ve rinsed and drained the beans if they’re pre-packaged), chicken broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
-
Pressure Cook
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or ’Manual’) on high for 35 minutes. It might take a few minutes for the pot to come to pressure, but once it does, the cooking time is quick and simple.
-
Release Pressure
- After the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to ’Venting’ to release the remaining pressure. Open the lid.
-
Serve And Enjoy
- Stir the soup and remove the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for a perfect meal.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this soup so special:
- Ham: This is the soul of the soup. The smoky, salty flavor of the ham infuses the broth, enriching the entire dish. If you’re using leftover ham, that’s even better because the flavors will have developed over time.
- 15 Bean Mix: The blend of beans is the heart of the soup. Each type of bean contributes a different texture. Some beans become creamy as they cook, while others stay a bit firmer, creating a beautiful balance of consistency. Plus, beans are loaded with fiber, making this soup a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
- Spices: The smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaves work together to create that cozy, aromatic broth. The smoked paprika, in particular, complements the ham and enhances its smokiness.
Expert Tips
- Soak the Beans: While the Instant Pot can cook dried beans without soaking them, soaking beans for 4-6 hours before cooking can help reduce the cooking time and also make them easier to digest.
- Adjust the Salt: Because ham can be salty, it’s important to taste the soup before adding more salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
- Use Leftover Ham: If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, this is the perfect recipe to use it up. The flavor will only improve over time, making the soup even better.
- Add Greens: For a nutritional boost, add some spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt nicely and add extra vitamins.
Recipe Variations
If you want to experiment with the recipe, here are a few variations you can try:
- Spicy Ham and Bean Soup: Add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to introduce a little heat. The smoky ham and beans balance the spice beautifully.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and replace it with a meat substitute, like smoked tofu or tempeh, to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Creamy Bean Soup: After cooking, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamy texture. You can blend half or more of the soup depending on how creamy you want it.
Final Words
This Instant Pot Ham and 15 Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a one-pot dish that brings together the smoky, rich flavor of ham with the nutritious heartiness of a variety of beans. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up or a meal that will stretch over several days, this soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a hands-off cooking process, it’s perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.
FAQs
What Beans Are In A 15 Bean Soup Mix?
A 15 bean soup mix typically includes a variety of dried beans, such as navy beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, lima beans, garbanzo beans, and others. The exact beans may vary by brand, but the mix is designed to provide a rich and diverse texture and flavor to the soup.
Do I Need To Soak The Beans Before Using Them In The Instant Pot?
No, you do not need to soak the beans before cooking them in the Instant Pot. One of the benefits of using the Instant Pot is that it can cook dried beans without soaking, reducing the cooking time significantly.
Can I Use Leftover Ham For This Recipe?
Yes, leftover ham works great in this soup. Just chop it into small chunks and add it to the pot along with the beans and other ingredients. The flavor of the leftover ham will infuse the soup as it cooks.
How Long Should I Cook The Ham And 15 Bean Soup In The Instant Pot?
Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure manually.
What Seasonings Should I Use For Ham And 15 Bean Soup?
Common seasonings for this soup include garlic, onion, thyme, bay leaves, smoked paprika, and black pepper. You can also add a seasoning packet that often comes with the 15 bean mix for added flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Without Ham?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup by omitting the ham. You can replace it with vegetable broth or add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor to maintain depth.
What Type Of Ham Is Best For This Soup?
The best ham for this soup is typically a ham hock or a smoked ham bone, as these provide a rich, deep flavor to the broth. However, you can also use diced cooked ham or ham steaks as a quicker alternative.
Can I Freeze Leftovers Of The Instant Pot Ham And 15 Bean Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What Vegetables Can I Add To The Ham And 15 Bean Soup?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach. These add additional nutrients and flavor to the soup.
Why Is My Instant Pot Ham And 15 Bean Soup Still Hard After Cooking?
If the beans are still hard after cooking, it could be due to using older beans that may take longer to cook. You can either cook the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes on high pressure or check the age of your beans to ensure they are fresh and not too old.