Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup: A Culinary Hug in a Bowl

I remember my grandmother’s giant stockpot, always simmering with something fragrant and nourishing. Her bean soup, a hearty, rustic creation that could feed an army, was a staple. The aroma alone was enough to chase away any chill, and each spoonful was a warm embrace of flavor. This Instant Pot version captures that same soul-satisfying comfort, but in a fraction of the time.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 9 cups
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 (20 ounce) bag of 15 bean soup dried beans (do NOT use the seasoning packet)
• 10 cups water
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 hambone from a spiral sliced ham
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (pressure cooker)
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Begin by heating 10 cups of water in a separate pot. Starting with hot water helps the Instant Pot reach pressure faster.

2. While the water heats, prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion and carrots into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic clove finely.

3. Turn your Instant Pot on to the Saute setting. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and heat until it shimmers slightly.

4. Add the chopped onion and carrots to the Instant Pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to turn translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

5. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

6. Add the hambone, the 15 bean soup dried beans (discarding the seasoning packet), and the 10 cups of hot water to the Instant Pot. Ensure the pot is not filled past the maximum fill line.

7. Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to the Sealing position.

8. Select the Beans/Soup setting on your Instant Pot. Set the cooking time for 30 minutes.

9. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This means letting it sit undisturbed.

10. After the 10-minute natural pressure release, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to the Venting position to release any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the steam.

11. Once all the pressure is released and the pin drops, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.

12. Remove the hambone from the pot. You can either discard it or, if desired, pick off any remaining meat and add it back to the soup for extra flavor.

13. Stir in the lemon juice, condensed tomato soup, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt.

14. Turn the Instant Pot back on to the Saute setting and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for developing the rich, complex flavor of the soup.

15. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bean Prep: While not strictly necessary with an Instant Pot, rinsing the beans before cooking can help remove any debris. Some cooks also swear by soaking the beans for a few hours beforehand to improve their texture and reduce cooking time. If you choose to soak, reduce the amount of cooking liquid slightly.
• Spice It Up (or Down): The cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder soup.
• Salt to Taste: Remember that the hambone can contribute a significant amount of saltiness. Taste the soup after cooking and adjust the salt accordingly.
• Thicken It Up: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially puree some of the soup. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Hambone Substitute: If you don’t have a hambone, you can use smoked sausage, ham hocks, or even a bit of bacon to add smoky flavor. Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the substitute used.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this hearty 15 bean soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	16%
Total Fat	8g	12%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	15mg	5%
Sodium	900mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	15g	60%
Sugars	8g	N/A
Protein	20g	40%
Vitamin A	30%	N/A
Vitamin C	15%	N/A
Calcium	10%	N/A
Iron	25%	N/A

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the hambone and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
• Spicy Southwest: Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a Southwestern twist. Increase the chili powder and add a pinch of cumin.
• Italian Herb Garden: Substitute Italian seasoning for the oregano and thyme. Add a can of cannellini beans for extra creaminess.
• Smoked Turkey: Swap the hambone for a smoked turkey leg for a different smoky flavor profile.
• Different Beans: If you can’t find a 15-bean mix, you can create your own blend using a variety of dried beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, black beans, and lentils.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need to soak the beans before cooking in the Instant Pot?
A: Soaking is not necessary when using an Instant Pot, but it can reduce the cooking time slightly and may improve the texture of the beans.

Q: Can I use the seasoning packet that comes with the 15-bean soup mix?
A: While you can, this recipe is designed to create a more flavorful and nuanced soup by using your own seasonings. The included packet is often quite salty and may not offer the same depth of flavor.

Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: You can use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
A: You can still make this soup on the stovetop. Soak the beans overnight, then simmer them in a large pot with the remaining ingredients for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a comforting hug in a bowl. I encourage you to try it, experiment with the variations, and make it your own. Share your creations and feedback, and perhaps pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or a hearty stout for the perfect cozy meal. Happy cooking!