12 Bean Soup Recipe
This 12 Bean Soup Recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring a variety of beans, ham, and aromatic seasonings simmered to perfection. Ideal for a comforting meal, this slow-cooked soup is packed with protein and rich flavors, making it a satisfying option for any occasion.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 16 ounces 12 bean soup mix found in the dry bean section of grocery stores
- 2 medium onions finely chopped
- 1 large carrot peeled and chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 ham bones with meat attached
- 32 ounces vegetable stock or chicken stock
- 12 ounces beer or additional broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Beans
- Begin by discarding the seasoning packet from the 12 bean soup mix. To prepare the beans, select one of the following soaking methods:Overnight Soaking Method: Place the beans in a large bowl, cover them with water, and refrigerate overnight.Quick Soaking Method: Add the beans to a Dutch oven with 8 cups of water, bring to a boil, and let them boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and allow them to sit in the hot water for 1 hour.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans before proceeding.
Prepare the Ingredients
- While the beans are soaking, finely chop the onions, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and set aside.
Assemble the Slow Cooker
- In a slow cooker, add the ham bones, prepared vegetables, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add the Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in the vegetable stock, beer, and water, stirring to combine all ingredients.
Cook the Soup
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 8 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Remove the Ham Bones and Serve
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ham bones, ensuring all meat is separated. Shred any remaining meat and stir it back into the soup.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish.
Notes
To make this 12 Bean Soup Recipe gluten-free, simply:
- Omit the beer and replace it with additional vegetable or chicken stock.
- Check labels on all pre-packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, particularly stock and seasoning mixes.
- Use homemade broth if unsure about store-bought options.