12 Bean Soup
Hearty 12 Bean Soup combines a variety of dried beans with smoky ham hock and tomatoes for a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for family dinners or cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and soak the dried beans overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to a large pot along with water, ham hock, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and chopped tomatoes.
- Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours until beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a variety of beans to enhance the flavor and texture of your 12 Bean Soup. If you don’t have a ham hock, smoked turkey or bacon can be great substitutes for that rich, savory taste. Be sure to soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Adding a bay leaf or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the soup's flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 12 Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with Ranch Hand Muffins for a heartwarming dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top just before serving. This dish is also a great base for adding additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 12 Bean Soup contains roughly 667 calories, with 10g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1782mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience. If opting for canned, reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes as the beans are already cooked. Rinse them well to remove excess sodium before adding them to the pot with the other ingredients.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of 12 Bean Soup, simply omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the flavor usually provided by the meat. Additionally, incorporate more vegetables like carrots or celery for added depth.
What is the best way to serve 12 Bean Soup?
12 Bean Soup is best served warm and can be topped with grated cheese, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor. Consider serving it alongside cornbread or over rice for a more substantial meal. For a twist, try it with a side of Potatoes, Green Beans And Ham for a hearty combination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).