15 BEAN SOUP WITH SAUSAGE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large, deep saute pan or soup kettle over medium-high heat. When pan is hot, add sausages; cook, turning once or twice, until well-browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. (Sausage will not be fully cooked at this point.) Remove from pan. When cool enough to handle, cut into slices 1/4-inch thick.
• Add prosciutto, onions, carrots, celery and thyme to the empty skillet; cook, stirring often, until well browned, 8 to 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mash one can of beans with a fork into a chunky puree. Add broth, whole and mashed beans, and sausage; cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, partially covered, to blend flavors, 20 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes; serve.

Steps:

• NO SOAK METHOD
• In a colander or sieve, rinse beans thoroughly. Sort and inspect for any unwanted debris and discard.
• Drain and pour beans in a slow cooker with 8 cups of stock/water, onions, garlic, and meat or hambone. (Not tomato or lemon juice yet!). Use 9-10 cups of liquid if you like a more "brothy" soup.
• Stir to combine. Set slow cooker on high and cook for 5-7 hours then check to make sure beans are tender. The soup can continue to simmer for several hours and will develop more flavor over time.
• After the beans are tender, remove the hambone (leave any ham in the pot), stir in the can of diced tomatoes, our Ham Flavor packet, optional chili powder, and the lemon juice.
• Cook for additional 30 minutes then keep warm until ready to serve.
• We recommend to serve with a freshly baked slice of corn bread! You can also serve over rice as well.
• Please keep in mind that every time the lid is opened, your cooking time will be longer.