Grandma's Cozy 15 Bean Soup Recipe - A Hearty Classic! -…

Ingredients

• 1 pound (454g) dry 15-bean mix, rinsed
• 8 cups (1.9L) water (plus more for soaking, if using)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, chopped (approx. ¾ cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons)
• 8 ounces (227g) smoked ham hock, or 1 cup chopped cooked ham, or bacon (about 6 slices), cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (Optional)
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (Optional)
• Hot sauce (Optional)