Description
A hearty and flavorful Cajun 15 Bean Soup ready in a slow cooker with smoky ham and spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag (16 oz/453.6 g) Cajun 15 Bean Soup mix, dry beans with seasoning packet
- 1–2 (1.5-3 lb) ham hocks or 1 ham bone
- 12 oz (340 g) andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into medallions
- 1 medium (150 g) sweet onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups (1920 ml) chicken broth
- 10 oz (284 g) fire roasted diced tomatoes
- juice from 1 lemon
- 11/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 11/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 11/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/21/2 teaspoon pepper
- 11/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 11/2 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
- 1/4 – 1/21/2 teaspoon cayenne powder to taste
- 1/21/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep the Ham: Start by cutting your ham into bite-sized pieces. Get a whiff of that smoky aroma; it will set the stage for the soup. This adds rich flavor, so do not skip this step. If the pieces are too large, they might not infuse enough flavor.
- Add Beans & Stock: Toss the 15-bean mix into your slow cooker along with the broth. The beans will look a bit dry at this point, but do not worry; they will soak up the liquid as they cook. If you forget the broth, your soup will end up too thick and dry.
- Season with Spices: Sprinkle in that Cajun seasoning, adding a nice kick. You will smell the spices enveloping the mixture, which is always a good sign. Just be cautious with the salt if you are watching your sodium intake; it can make things too salty.
- Set It & Forget It: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook for seven hours. You will want to walk by and get a whiff of that mouthwatering aroma filling your home. Just avoid lifting the lid too often; it will release steam and extend cooking time.
- Stir & Add Fixings: Once the time’s up, give your soup a gentle stir. The beans will be tender, but be cautious if you want a chunkier texture; over-stirring can break them apart. If you want to add veggies or more meat, now is the time to do it!
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup ends up too thick for your liking, slowly stir in more broth until it feels just right. You will want a slightly soupy consistency that will warm you up. If it is still too salty, gradually add more liquid to mellow the flavor.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Cajun 15 Bean Soup can be frozen and reheated; store in a freezer-safe container and consume within 6 months.
- Expert Tips: For a thinner soup, add more chicken stock gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- If the beans are still firm after cooking, consider extending the cooking period or making sure there is enough liquid present during cooking.
- When you find the soup too salty, diluting it with extra broth or water will help reach the desired taste.
- If a thicker soup is desired, gradually adding more liquid can help adjust the consistency to your preference.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a slow cooker on low until heated through, about 1-2 hours, or in a pot on the stove over medium heat until it reaches a simmer, stirring occasionally for even heating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over cooked rice for a filling meal or pair with cornbread for a classic comfort food experience. Top with fresh herbs for brightness before serving.
- Recipe Variations: Substitute different types of sausage for varied flavors or add diced carrots and celery for extra veggies. Incorporate greens like kale or spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
- Ingredient Notes: Ensure you select high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor infusion in the soup. Substitutions can include plant-based meat substitutes if making a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 544.3
- Sugar: 2.3g
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 33.2g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: 29.8g
- Fiber: 6.6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 7.8mg