Amish Acres Bean Soup
Amish Acres Bean Soup offers hearty comfort with tender northern beans, smoky ham bits, and subtle seasonings, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring all ingredients to a boil in a pan.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mashing a portion of the beans after cooking. Substituting navy beans for great northern beans works well too. If you prefer a smoky flavor, add some chopped smoked sausage. You can also enhance the taste with a bay leaf during simmering, but remember to remove it before serving. This dish can be adapted to include vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Amish Acres Bean Soup with freshly baked cornbread or a slice of crusty bread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Green Beans for a hearty side dish. For a complete meal, consider a light salad on the side. This soup is delicious topped with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the flavors.
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 low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Amish Acres Bean Soup contains roughly 85 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2103mg per serving (91% 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans! Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the recipe. You'll need to adjust the water amount accordingly, as dried beans require more liquid. This method enhances the flavor and texture of the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham bits and replace the seasoned salt with a vegetable seasoning blend. You can also add diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. This variation still delivers a hearty and satisfying dish.
What can I serve with bean soup?
Bean soup is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Consider serving it with a simple green salad or classic American recipes like cornbread or biscuits. For a heartier meal, a side of Slow Cooked Sour Cream Pot Roast would complement the flavors nicely.
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).