5 Bean Soup(Very Hearty)
A hearty and flavorful bean soup featuring a mix of beans, smoked ham hock, and spicy sausage, perfect for comforting gatherings and rich in smoky, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried black beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried white navy beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried black-eyed peas
- 1/2 cup dried baby lima beans ⓘ
- 3/4 pound andouille sausage ⓘ
- 10 ounces smoked ham hock
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 large carrot ⓘ
- 3 celery ribs ⓘ
- 3 parsley sprigs
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons paprika ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups beef stock ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all beans (except limas) in a bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight.
- Soak limas separately.
- Cover ham hock and sausage with water and bring to a boil.
- Add carrot, celery, and parsley. Simmer for 1 hour, removing the sausage after 15 minutes. Set aside.
- Saute chopped onion in olive oil until translucent.
- Add finely chopped garlic and cook briefly.
- Drain and remove grease from the ham hock water.
- Discard the cooked vegetables.
- Remove meat from the hock and chop coarsely. Discard skin and bone.
- Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot.
- Measure the degreased water and add enough to make 4 cups; pour over the beans.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add the onion and garlic mixture to the pot.
- Simmer and add spices: salt, paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and cinnamon.
- Continue simmering for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Add chopped canned tomatoes, beef stock, and lima beans.
- Simmer the soup for another 30 minutes.
- Cut the sausage into 1/4-inch rings and add to the soup along with the chopped ham and vinegar.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. If you're short on time, canned beans can substitute for dried ones; just be sure to rinse them well. For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add a bit of liquid smoke for flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed, particularly if using canned beans which can be saltier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 5 Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can elevate the presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Pork Pies or a simple green salad for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 5 Bean Soup(Very Hearty) contains roughly 1253 calories, with 27g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1979mg per serving (86% 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 fresh beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh beans, but they may require different cooking times. Fresh beans typically cook faster, so monitor them closely to achieve the desired tenderness without overcooking.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
What can I use instead of andouille sausage?
If andouille sausage is unavailable, try using chorizo for a similar smoky flavor, or opt for kielbasa for a milder taste. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or simply skip the meat altogether.
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).