Fast, Healthy, YUMMY – {15 Bean Soup}

15_Bean_Soup1

All ingredients except the optional ham hock and pork shoulder.

I’m a soupie.  Is that a word?  Well nevermind. It should be.

I’m finally getting around to posting my favorite bean soup recipe.

Why?

Because I was late yesterday, that’s why.  You know, school, dishes, laundry, toddler—broken down car.  These things can make a girl go half-crazy in the dinner making department.

{enter pressure cooker}

“Welcome, highly-favored kitchen appliance!”

Electric pressure cookers save time and money!

Electric pressure cookers save time and money!

I.love.my.pressure.cooker.  Period.  And it got me out of a jam last night. At 4:4o I arrived home from the mechanic shop, tired and frustrated.  {yes, you heard me right.} I looked in my pantry.  BEHOLD! A bag of beans.  Fifteen different kinds of beans to be exact.  Dinner!  By 4:55 I had all the ingredients in my pressure cooker and by 6:15 we were eating yummy, healthy soup.

YES it works in a crock pot too. Just put this same recipe in your slow cooker and give it 6-8 hours on low.

The magic is found in the spices so here you are:

15 Bean Soup

9 cups chicken broth
15 bean soup mix (1 lb) – this mix is in most grocery stores. It’s about $3.20/bag.
1 large onion, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
4 stalks diced celery
2 bay leaves
2 tsp diced garlic (from a jar is fine)
1 T thyme and rosemary
1.5 T parsely
1 tsp ham base if you don’t have a ham hock, or leave it out.  It’s good with or without.
Black pepper to tasteham_base
Alternative:
If you’re in the mood for a more meaty bean soup, add about a pound of pork shoulder, diced into bite-sized pieces. I didn’t use it this time. When using ham base, I LOVE Penzey’s.  Here’s a picture … a little goes a long way!

Directions:

Place all this stuff in your pressure cooker. Set it to “soup” and set your timer for 35 minutes. When it’s done, allow the pressure to go down on it’s own. This will add about 15 more minutes to your total time.

When you’re ready to serve, take out the ham hock and the bay leaves. Voila!  No more waiting all day for your beans to cook.  Pressure cooking is a busy moms best friend.  Give it a try!

15_bean_finished

 

 

This entry was posted in Recipes and tagged , , , , on by .

About Heidi St. John

Heidi has been married to her husband Jay since 1989. Together they have seven children and three grandchildren! The St. Johns homeschooled their kids all the way through high school. Heidi is the the author of seven books, host of the popular podcast "Off the Bench," and the founder of MomStrong International, an online community of women learning God's Word and how to apply it to every day life. She and her husband Jay are also the founders of Firmly Planted Family and the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, located in Vancouver, Washington.

86 thoughts on “Fast, Healthy, YUMMY – {15 Bean Soup}

  1. Melissa R

    I’ve never heard of an electric pressure cooker! I have the stove top kind, but don’t use it because I’m afraid of it due to having an electric stove and not being able to control the temperature quickly (I did use it a little when I had a gas stove). Please share about how your electric cooker works…what you love about it, must have features, brand recommendation… anything else someone should know before buying one. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Pam

      I don’t know if anyone will see this comment, but just had to write. This recipe is by far, hands down, the best recipe I’ve ever found in my entire life! I have made it at least 10 time in the last 2 months. It fits into my lifestyle perfectly! I am losing weight and do not fill slighted whatsoever. My nephew and my brother-in-law love it too, and have come to take several bowls home! I’ve made a couple minor changes to adapt to my needs and budget. I love the 15 bean mix, but have used just pinto beans most of the time. Where I live, they are $0.69 per pound, compared to $2.39 for the 15 bean mix. I leave out the ham base to lower the sodium, and use no salt added tomatoes as well. I’ve doubled the onions and celery and also added carrots. More veggies just ups the benefits! I will be forever grateful for this recipe and I’m sure I will make it for many years to come! Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Lynne

      HI Melissa,

      I got a 6 in 1 cooker by Cucina from http://www.HHGregg.com
      Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Streamer, deep fryer, frying pan & the real reason I got it was for the Pressure Cooker. I too am afraid of the stove top one. This is amazing. Super easy and that thing can’t fly off and kill someone. I picked up some recipe books and google for new recipes. I am converted! I work, go to school and have a 15 yr old athlete, bottomless pit type. I can cook a full meal between work & class. I’m anxious to see how this turns out as every other recipe calls for sautéing the veggies first, browning meats,& etc. If this recipe works like everyone says, my life got that much easier!

      Reply
      1. Camilla Senteneri

        In case anyone wants to check or wait for the deal, I purchased my Cucina 6 in 1 from BJ’s. It was a special pricing at $49!!! I LOVE it and the recipe above was fabulous!

        Reply
  2. Sara

    Does the bean mix have some kind of flavor packet in it or do you just use the spices you indicated? It has been a long time since I bought a bean soup mix (I’ve just been buying individual kinds of beans) and I am remembering it had a seasoning packet. I have lots of dried beans. I’m wondering if I put together my own mix if I will be lacking something.

    We love soup at our house!!!

    Reply
    1. Kimberly Bower

      The 15-Bean-Soup mix I bought has a ham flavoring packet in it. It would be a replacement for a ham hock or other meat used for flavor. It is a tan color so I am sure none of the other spices in the recipe are included in this seasoning packet. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  3. mary ellen

    First off, I am also a soupie and it SHOULD be a word! Second, I am going to beg for a counter top pressure cooker for my anniversary. Being a foodie, I never have a problem getting fun and functional kitchen stuff for birthdays, Christmas, etc. Third, thank you for your recipe, and for your encouraging and inspiring posts. Keep them coming, please! God bless you!

    Reply
  4. Alicia McKean

    I use this same soup mix and love it. I don’t eat pork, so I use chicken. It has a flavor packet that I throw out, because I have no idea what’s in it except a bunch of salt and chemicals. I then just salt & pepper to taste. I don’t have a pressure cooker, so I crockpot this soup and it comes out great. But you’re tempting me to start looking at pressure cookers.

    Reply
  5. HSherraden

    I’m a “soupie” too. I have never made bean soup before. I’m not sure my boys would eat it, though I’m willing to give it a go. Most of the soups I have made in the past are creamy soups, like ale and cheddar or sweet potato and rosemary. I usually make them in my Dutch oven pot.

    Now that we are getting out of the cooler temps, do you have any warm weather soups you like to make?

    Reply
  6. Liz

    This has to be the most fantanstic, frugal thing I’ve read about in a long long time! I make your Chalupa recipe in the crockpot all of the time and this recipe looks great, but I had NO IDEA about an electric pressure cooker!! It seems like with a large family and homeschooling etc. I run into this problem a lot (end of the day…meal options are few) and we just don’t eat out much. I’m so excited about this. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Heidi Post author

      Hi Linda! You know, I really don’t know how to use a stove top pressure cooker—maybe some readers can advise you. My pressure cooker is digital so I don’t know the pressure. Sorry 🙁

      Reply
    1. Heidi Post author

      Hi Stephanie! I don’t—turns out just fine w/out soaking but I am becoming a believer in soaking. I have a friend who swears it’s more nutritional to soak them. But so far, I never have and they are great.

      Reply
      1. Stephanie

        Thank you! I’ve never made this in a crock pot before so I wasn’t sure. I appreciate your help, and the recipe! We will be having in Wednesday! Can’t wait!

        Reply
      2. Robert Lawrence

        Thanks for your recipe I can’t wait to give it a try. I just bought my Instant Pot. I was wondering about the soaking too. I am not sure there is any additional nutritional value in soaking the beans but there is in actually sprouting the beans before cooking.

        Reply
        1. Heidi St. John Post author

          Absolutely! Sprouting is great. I’ll confess: I don’t do it 🙂 It’s been a time issue for me but I have friends that do and love it! Let me know how it goes!

          Reply
  7. Deanna Woockman

    I have 6 boys and feel like our household would benefit from a pressure cooker. I would like an electric 8 qt but haven’t found one. Is yours this big? Can you recommend a brand?

    Reply
  8. Lacy Hunter Nix

    I used my stovetop pressure cooker for beans tonight. Does anyone here own an electric one? I keep seeing them for around $70 in a local store, and I am so tempted. The idea of not needing to babysit sit it while it works is so tempting.

    Reply
    1. R Ray Morford

      Has anyone heard about reading the simple directions that come with an electric pressure cooker? (1) Follow the ingredient list;(2) push the soup button;(3)set the timer; When done, release the pressure slowly; (4) unlock the lid. Enjoy the soup. This is not rocket science.

      Reply
    1. Angela Paulsen

      Google it!! You just need to look at reviews and which is recommended. I do this a LOT before I make a purchase. Consumer Reports, American Test Kitchen review products.

      Reply
  9. Jackie

    Love this recipe! Just delicious! I am new to pressure cooking but decided to try it. I bought the Instant Pot Duo from Amazon. Can’t wait to try more recipes.

    Reply
  10. Terry pogue

    I use a Breville electric cooker. I can set it to pressure cook, slow cook, sear, or warm. I’m planning on the 15 bean soup for dinner tonight, I soaked my beans for four hours today. I’ll set my Breville to Pressure Cook. I need to select the pressure to either high, med. Or low. I’ll choose medium since that is what I have used for beans before. I don’t have a “soup” setting. I’ll cook it on medium pressure for 15 minutes and let the pressure come down on its own. That should do it.
    I gave my stove top PC away. It was as fast but I didn’t like having to baby sit it. With the electric I can set it and walk away.

    Reply
    1. Ray DeVous

      I have a Fagor 3 in 1 electric cooker (high and low pressure cooker…Rice cooker…high and low temp slow cooker)! I plan to take it with me when I pass away!!! 😁😎😀

      Reply
  11. jeanne

    Absolutely delicious and couldn’t be easier!!! Used half of a pork butt for flavor and saving other half for another batch! Did not soak beans and they are cooked as if I did. Great recipe for that all day long simmered soup in minutes! Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Debbie

    I have the same pressure cooker as you, only in red! I am making this now. I couldn’t fit all 9 cups of broth in, as my ham bone is large. Will add the rest later when soup is done.

    Do you have more recipes for the electric pressure cooker?? I have very few recipes for it. I’ve picked up books from the library, and they are either for stove top (which I could convert), or they are weird ingredients, or stuff not normally carried in a pantry. I like comfort food. Not stuff like Osso Buco. Lol

    Keep up the good work!! Love reading your blog, and I follow you on facebook.

    Blessings!

    Reply
    1. Heidi Post author

      Hi Debbie! Thanks! I do have a few more up my sleeve 🙂 I just needed the boost to get them up on the blog. I hope you enjoyed the soup! We made it for dinner tonight, which is why I saw your comment! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  13. Caroline Reznicek

    Today, I was looking for a ham and 15 bean soup recipe for my Instant Pot and found the one presented here. I will try this one tomorrow. Thanks so much! Sounds just great! My hubby bought me an Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker for Christmas this year. I’ve only cooked one thing in it so far, but it was superb! I had a frozen boneless pork loin in the freezer. I put it directly, hard frozen, into my Instant Pot, added some spices, (salt, pepper, rosemary, dash of curry) put the lid on and cooked it on high for 60 minutes. DONE! WOW! It was moist and tender enough to cut with a fork but not falling apart. The next time I do this, I will also try adding some potatoes, carrots and onions 2/3 way through the cooking process to have a one pot meal. I already LOVE my pressure cooker and am on the prowl for recipes to use in it. 15 bean soup recipe will be a great addition to my fledgling repertoire of pressure cooked foods. Thanks again.

    Reply
    1. Heidi Post author

      Awesome, Caroline! Welcome to the WE-CAN’T-LIVE-WIHOUT-OUR-PRESSURE-COOKER Club! Let me know how the 15 bean soup turns out.It’s my fave!

      Reply
  14. Pingback: Pressure Cooker 15 Bean Soup | Cold Hot Dogs

  15. Michael

    I too have an electric pressure cooker and I love it! My wife bought me the Insta Pot Duo and I have cooked everything from Ribs to this new 15 bean soup recipe in it! My wife loves this recipe and so does my daughter! Thank you for posting it. All of us are teachers and I am always on the prowl for a good recipe for the pressure cooker. This one is a keeper! Again, thank you for an awesome time saving recipe!

    Reply
      1. Heidi St. John Post author

        I have swapped our crock pot recipes for the slow cooker—every machine is a little different but you can count on about 1/4 of the time in your PC than a slow cooker on high.

        Reply
  16. Debbie

    Thanks for a wonderful soup. I use my Pressure Cooker ALL THE TIME and this turned out perfect, as I had all ingredients on hand.

    Reply
  17. Judie Edwards

    Hi! I want to make your 15 Bean Soup recipe in my new Instant Pot Duo. I want to put 2 smoked ham hocks in the soup, but I don’t know when to put them in. I usually cook my ham hocks in my Crockpot until the meat falls off the bone. I’m hoping they will do that in the soup. Also, I need to halve the recipe. I’m cooking for one, but want leftovers.😉

    Reply
    1. Heidi St. John Post author

      Hi Judie, I’d put it in at the very beginning. I use my pressure cooker often and this is how I do it. Works great. Use this recipe, just add the ham hock with the rest of the ingredients. Enjoy!

      Reply
  18. Melissa

    I enjoy 15-bean soup but will have to try it in my Instant Pot. Orange zest is another good seasoning to add to this soup.

    Reply
      1. Melissa

        I made this last night, following the recipe to a “t” (with the one addition of orange zest) but the beans were not soft. I cooked it for 10 more minutes plus quick pressure release which did the trick. It tasted great! Since I live near Denver, I’m wondering if altitude made a difference

        Reply
  19. Carole

    I recommend the NutriChef PKPRC22 (got one for my daughter on Amazon). Used it recently when she had my first grandchild. I researched several of them & this seemed to be the most reliable. It worked well when I used it. As for using the stovetop versions, I’m still using my mother’s 1941 Magic Seal … all of them get up steam at about 15 psi and they work the same way. If you put it up to Med. High heat (wait for the “jiggle”) and then lower it down to about Med. Lo, it will maintain a steady even pressure without too much oversight. The electric ones are great (I also have a 1955 model that still works well, but the stovetop models do every bit as good of a job. Go for it ladies!!! Don’t be intimidated: our grandmothers used them and so can we! Always be sure you have plenty of liquid and don’t overfill. They only become dangerous with too much heat and not enough liquid.

    Reply
  20. Sean Dowd

    I am a single guy who lives alone. I like preparing meals on Sunday that I can easily take to work for lunch during the week. This soup is perfect. I have made it several times in my Instant Pot. I add carrots and chili peppers to the recipe. The soup is so good as soon as it is done cooking, but is even better the next day. I know I should venture out and try other recipes for my lunches, but I have started craving this soup. Thanks!!!

    Reply
  21. Brooke

    I do t know if anyone else has had this problem, I only read the first few comments, but for me the time was way too much. Unfortunately I ended up with a mashed potato consistency with a bit of soup liquid at the bottom. I think I will try 10-15mins next time. Maybe it’s because I soaked my beans? Should I not soak them overnight?
    It still tasted great and my DH is still snacking on it, mixed with sour cream and used as a dip. So all in all not a bad first try.
    I’m new to the pressure cooker, but for only having owned it for a few days I’ve made a ton of food! Chili, 2 full chickens, bone broth (from the chickens), a pot roast, a meatloaf with veggies 2 desserts and a beef stroganoff. I just wish we ate more so I could cook more! We have so much in the fridge that it’s time to take a few days off.

    Reply
  22. Diane

    Wow! I am slurping up my second bowl after making this for the first time in my new power cooker. It is amazing!!!! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I added ham and a potato instead of celery…..yum, yum! It is an absolutely perfect blend of so many wonderful flavors. I will be serving it tomorrow for my 90-year old dad at our weekly family dinner, along with some crusty bread. I know he will love it!

    Reply
  23. Michelle

    I want to make a half batch of this soup (half broth, half the beans,
    Etc) would I still pressure cook for 35 minutes or should I decrease cooking time?

    Reply
  24. Jeff Samet

    Just wanted to thank you for this recipe. It’s my go to and I’ve made it more times than I can recall over the past few years. I always try to add something like a ham steak, leftover BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken, whatever as long as there’s some smokey element to it. Today I was thinking out of the box. I had a 1 pound pork loin in the fridge and no idea what to do with it (it was cut off a larger roast). So I dropped into the Instant Pot with a half bottle of liquid smoke and some water and let it cook for a half hour while I cut up the veggies. It came out moist with a light smokey taste. I chopped it up and tossed it in with the rest of the ingredients. And since I only had 2 boxes of chicken stock, I needed another cup of liquid so I’m using what was left in the pot from the pork. No fake ham packet (what the hell is that?) for me! I also chopped up fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley and tomatoes because I didn’t have a can of diced tomatoes. This is the most delicious, quick and easy soups to make and it’s one of the secrets to my weight loss too!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Sarah Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *