Assorted Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting bean soup with smoky ham hocks, savory vegetables, and tender potatoes, perfect for cold days and satisfying for family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all but the potato and the ham hocks in a pot of cold water and cook on low heat for 4 hours.
- Add the diced potato and cook until the potato is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider soaking the dry beans overnight before cooking. If you don't have ham hocks, smoked sausage or diced bacon can be a great substitute. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the dish. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the assorted bean soup with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a lovely finishing touch. It pairs wonderfully with recipes like the Saucy Twist Pork Dish for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Assorted Bean Soup contains roughly 462 calories, with 12g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% 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 dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Use about 5 cans of drained and rinsed beans and add them in the last hour of cooking, as they only need to be heated through. Adjust the liquid accordingly since canned beans are already cooked.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?
A fresh green salad or coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the hearty soup. Grilled cheese sandwiches or a simple garlic bread also make excellent accompaniments. For an even heartier meal, serve it alongside the Bacon, Ham, Mushroom Quiche.
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).