Transport yourself to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with this authentic 15-bean soup recipe. Forget bland, watery broth; this hearty and flavorful soup is bursting with the rich, earthy taste of fifteen different beans, simmered to perfection in a fragrant tomato broth. Imagine the satisfying warmth spreading through you on a chilly evening, the comforting aroma filling your kitchen. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience, a journey for your taste buds, showcasing the simple beauty of Italian cuisine. The vibrant colors and textures of the beans, combined with perfectly balanced herbs and spices, create a symphony of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe simplifies the traditional preparation, making it accessible even for novice cooks. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the beans to achieving the ideal simmering consistency. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create a truly memorable bowl of Italian 15-bean soup? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Spatula
- Knife
- Garlic press
Ingredients
- 15 Bean Soup Mix: 2 bags
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound
- Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil: null
- Yellow Onion: 1
- Carrot: 1
- Celery: null
- Sea Salt: null
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: null
- Fresh Thyme: 7-8 sprigs
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: null
- Dried Oregano: null
- Homemade Chicken Stock: 8 cups
- Canned San Marzano Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can
- Italian White Wine: 1 cup
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon: null
- Chopped Italian Parsley: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beans and Aromatics
- Soak two bags of 15 bean soup mix overnight in cold water.
- Rinse and drain the soaked beans thoroughly.
- In a Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium-low heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no pink remains.
- Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add fresh thyme, crushed garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Cook for about 1 minute.
Step 2. Simmer the Soup
- Add 4 cups of chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add the prepped beans.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of chicken stock. Stir well and simmer for about 1.5 hours.
- Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes and Italian white wine. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
Step 3. Finish and Serve
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the juice of half a lemon and chopped Italian parsley.
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Comforting Italian White Bean & Sausage Stew Recipe
Tips
- Discard the flavor packet that comes with the 15 bean soup mix and build your own Italian flavor profile.
- Use high-quality Italian extra virgin olive oil and look for the protected geographical indication seal.
- Don't add acidic ingredients (tomatoes, wine) until the beans are mostly cooked to prevent them from becoming tough.
- Use a wine you enjoy drinking for the best flavor in your soup.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can! Using canned beans will significantly reduce the cooking time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the soup.
2. How can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply ensure you're using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth (or omit the broth altogether and add extra water).
This authentic Italian 15-bean soup recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, expertly combined to create a truly unforgettable dish. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this hearty soup, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Buon appetito!