15 Bean Soup

I like to make this a little different then most 15 bean soup.  I like to add the mixture of chicken and kielbasa.  Add what meat you like or non at all if you want.

15 BEAN SOUP

(serves 12)

Ingredients:

*1 (20 ounce package) 15 bean soup mix

*2 quarts water

*2 (32 ounce) containers chicken stock

*1 quart stewed tomatoes 

*1/2 pound kielbasa, chopped

*1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and chopped 

*1 large onion, chopped

*3 stalks celery, chopped 

*3 carrots, peeled and chopped

*3-4 garlic cloves, minced

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon dried oregano

*1/2 teaspoon dried basil

*1 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

*1 bay leaf

*1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Directions:

~Remove season packet (if included) from bean soup mix and toss it out.

~Place beans in a large stock pot and over with 2 quarts water.

~Cover and allow to soak for 8 hours or overnight.

~Drain water from beans.

~Rinse beans and return to stock pot.

~Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.

~Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 4-5 hours (taste the larger beans and see if they are tender).

~Add remaining ingredients, except meats.  

~Simmer for another 40-45 minutes or until veggies are tender.

~Add chicken and kielbasa and simmer until meat is hot 5-10 minutes. 

~Remove the bay leaf and serve.

Instant Pot Directions:

~Remove season packet (if included) from bean soup mix and toss it out.~Press the sauté mode on your instant pot.

~Once hot add 1 teaspoon olive oil.

~Add onion, celery.

~Sauté for 3-4 minutes

~Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

~Add remaining ingredients.

~Put lid and set valve to seal.

~Pressure cook for 50 minutes.

~Natural release for 20 minutes and then quick release.

~Remove bay leaf.

~Mash some of the beans to thicken, if desired.