Sixteen Bean Soup

Sixteen Bean Soup Recipe - Bay Leaves, Oregano, Sausage, Tomatoes

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Sixteen Bean Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with a variety of beans, vegetables, and sausage, making it a filling and satisfying meal. In this article, we will explore the history of the recipe, cooking tips and tricks, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and more.

History

Sixteen Bean Soup has been a popular dish in many households for generations. The recipe originated as a way to use up leftover beans and vegetables, creating a delicious and budget-friendly meal. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of beans, meats, and seasonings, making it a versatile and customizable dish.

Ingredients

1 package of 16 bean soup
3 bay leaves
1 tbsp of crushed oregano
2 cans of chicken stock
3 stalks of celery, chopped
3 carrots, diced
1 large white onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, sliced
1 lb (454 g) of sausage, sliced
2 cans of diced tomatoes

How to prepare

Combine the first 5 ingredients with 4 cups of water in a crock pot.
Cook on high for 2 hours.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 3 hours.

Variations

Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a meatless version of the soup.
Spicy: Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Smoky: Use smoked sausage or add a dash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
Italian: Add Italian seasonings such as basil, thyme, and rosemary for an Italian twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

- Use a crock pot or slow cooker for easy preparation and a hands-off cooking experience.

- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, meats, and seasonings.

- Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sixteen Bean Soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal. This soup pairs well with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

- Using a crock pot or slow cooker allows for easy preparation and hands-off cooking.

- Sautéing the vegetables and sausage before adding them to the soup enhances the flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any combination of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, or navy beans.

- Substitute turkey sausage or tofu for a leaner protein option.

- Use vegetable broth or water in place of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

Sixteen Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This soup also freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Sixteen Bean Soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of sour cream for an elegant presentation. Serve the soup in individual bowls with a side of crusty bread for a cozy and comforting meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sixteen Bean Soup with a crisp green salad, a side of cornbread, or a glass of red wine for a delicious and satisfying meal. This soup also pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, grilled cheese sandwiches, or garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Sixteen Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Sixteen Bean Soup contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. This soup is a satisfying and filling meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Carbohydrates

Sixteen Bean Soup is a high-carbohydrate dish due to the beans and vegetables. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health. This soup is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly and provide sustained energy.

Fats

The sausage in Sixteen Bean Soup adds a moderate amount of fat to the dish. Fat is an important nutrient that provides energy, supports cell growth, and helps the body absorb vitamins. While fat is necessary for overall health, it is important to consume it in moderation.

Proteins

The beans and sausage in Sixteen Bean Soup provide a good amount of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass. This soup is a great source of plant-based and animal-based proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sixteen Bean Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of beans and vegetables. This soup provides essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These vitamins and minerals are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Sixteen Bean Soup may contain allergens such as gluten (from the sausage or seasonings) and soy (from the beans or broth). It is important to check the ingredients and labels carefully if you have food allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Sixteen Bean Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This soup is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Sixteen Bean Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy and comforting meal. This soup is packed with a variety of beans, vegetables, and sausage, making it a hearty and satisfying option for lunch or dinner. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a bowl of homemade soup that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling like confetti from the trees, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes in my grandmother's attic. As I sifted through the yellowed pages and faded clippings, my eyes fell upon a worn piece of paper with the title "Sixteen Bean Soup" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive handwriting.

I had never heard of sixteen bean soup before, but the ingredients listed seemed simple enough - an assortment of dried beans, vegetables, and herbs. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. Little did I know that this humble recipe would become a beloved staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

I had always loved cooking, a passion passed down to me from my own mother and grandmother. They were both incredible cooks, able to whip up delicious meals with just a handful of ingredients. I had spent countless hours in the kitchen with them, learning the art of cooking through observation and practice.

But this recipe was different. It was like a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered. I could almost imagine the generations of women before me, passing down this recipe like a precious family heirloom.

I decided to make the soup that very evening. I soaked the beans overnight, as the recipe instructed, and woke up to a kitchen filled with the earthy aroma of simmering soup. As I stirred the pot, the flavors mingling and melding together, I felt a sense of connection to my ancestors, to the women who had come before me and who had cooked this very dish with love and care.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled myself a bowl and took a tentative sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue - rich and hearty, with a depth and complexity that I had never experienced before. It was like a symphony of flavors, each ingredient playing its own unique melody.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends. I invited them over for a cozy dinner, serving the soup with crusty bread and a simple salad. As they took their first bites, their eyes lit up with delight. They couldn't believe that something so simple could taste so delicious.

From that day on, sixteen bean soup became a regular fixture on my dinner table. I made it for special occasions and casual gatherings alike, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. I loved watching the smiles on their faces as they savored each spoonful, knowing that I had created something truly special.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I have experimented with different combinations of beans, vegetables, and spices, always striving to perfect the flavors and textures of the soup.

But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of the recipe remains the same. It is a simple, humble dish that speaks to the heart and soul, a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal we cook.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the generations of women who came before me, for their wisdom and knowledge passed down through the ages. I am proud to carry on their legacy, to share their recipes with those I love, and to create new memories around the dinner table.

And so, I will continue to make my sixteen bean soup, honoring the traditions of the past while embracing the possibilities of the future. For in every spoonful, I taste a little piece of history, a little piece of love, and a little piece of home.