7 Dry Bean Soup
A hearty, flavorful bean soup featuring a mix of dried beans, smoked sausage, and savory spices, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse at least 7 varieties of dried beans (such as Great Northern, navy, black turtle, pinto, red, pink, kidney, yellow and green split peas). Place beans in a large kettle, cover with water, and soak overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans.
- Add 2 quarts of water and diced ham or sliced smoked sausage to the kettle with the beans.
- Simmer the mixture for 3 hours.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, canned tomatoes, and lemon juice to the soup.
- Continue simmering for another 45 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful soup, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while simmering. If you can't find a specific bean variety, feel free to substitute with whatever dried beans you have on hand. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and if you want a creamier texture, blend a portion of the beans before adding the tomatoes. This soup pairs beautifully with a side of Cheese-Spinach Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. This hearty dish pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple salad or a light appetizer like Sloppy Joe Cups.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 7 Dry Bean Soup contains roughly 324 calories, with 6g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1320mg per serving (57% 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 to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and cooking time for the dried beans. Add them to the pot with the tomatoes and seasonings, and simmer for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What can I substitute for ham or sausage?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider adding smoked paprika and mushrooms for a similar depth of flavor. Alternatively, diced turkey or chicken can also work well if you prefer poultry over pork.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to each bowl before serving.
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).