This sensational 15 Bean Soup with Veggies is chocked full of ham, assorted veggies and beans, then seasoned to perfection with marjoram, thyme, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. It's a great comfort food recipe yet nice enough to serve for company. Gluten free.
20oz. bag15 Bean Soup mix, with ham seasoning packet included with the beansif available
1 1/2lbs.pork neck bonesor you can use the bones and meat from leftover spiral cut ham, turkey, or the meat of your choice
2cupshamdiced
1/2lb.baby carrotssliced
1red bell peppersliced in strips and then each strip halved
1yellow bell peppersliced in strips and then each strip halved
1orange bell peppersliced in strips and then each strip halved
2-3leeksgreen top removed, washed thoroughly and diced
1smalloniondiced
1tsp.fresh garlicchopped, or minced garlic from a jar
8oz. containermushroomssliced
1headfresh broccoli floretsor use the whole head of broccoli if you have it
32oz. ctn.vegetable brothor you can use chicken or beef broth if you prefer
14.5oz. cantomatoesdiced , or you can use diced tomatoes with chilies or chipotle peppers if you prefer
1 1/2tsp.dried thymeor more if desired
1 1/2tsp.dried marjoramor more if desired
1 1/2tsp.dried basilor more if desired
1 1/2tsp.sea saltor kosher salt
3/4 to 1tsp.ground black pepper
2tbsp.dried parsleyor use a quarter cup of fresh if you have it
Water to soak beans, and at least 2 quarts to cook the beans inI used 4 quarts
Instructions
If at all possible, soak beans in a bowl filled with water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Reserve ham seasoning packet that comes with the bean mix for later.
Place beans in a large Dutch oven or large stock pot — 6-or 8-quart size.
Add at least 2 quarts water.
Add pork neck bones, or other soup bones you want to use.
Cover with lid.
Bring to a boil.
Once beans come to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Remove bones from bean pot and take meat off the bones.
Add meat back into the bean pot and discard the bones and any fat or gristle.
Add leeks, onion, peppers, carrots, mushrooms, garlic and broccoli (or whatever vegetables you need to use up).
Add thyme, marjoram, basil, salt, pepper, parsley and diced ham.
Cook an additional 20-30 minutes or until veggies are fork tender. Add vegetable broth and tomatoes and heat through.
Serve with a hot crusty bread or cornbread.
Notes
NOTE: Other veggies can be added, if desired.NOTE: I did not use the Cajun seasoning packet with the beans because I was cooking this soup for people who don't enjoy spicy. But you could add it to the soup for an entirely different taste.NOTE: For vegan, omit ham and ham bones.NOTE: Once the beans have cooked close to 1 ½ hours they will probably be close to done. Even though soup mix packages say to cook 2 ½ to 3 hours that is usually way too long, especially if you've soaked your beans.