Bean Soup With Noodles
A hearty bean soup with noodles, savory ham, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and full of rich flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak dried white beans in salted water overnight; drain.
- In a soup kettle, combine soaked beans, ham bone, diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and bay leaf.
- Add enough cold water to cover the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, skim off foam from surface, then reduce the heat.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
- Add more water as needed to keep the broth covering the beans.
- Discard the ham bone and bay leaf.
- Remove any meat left on the ham bone.
- Cool the soup slightly.
- Puree half the beans in a blender.
- Pour the pureed beans back into the soup kettle.
- Add the chopped ham meat to the soup.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then add broken noodles.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk after pureeing the beans. If you don't have dried white beans, canned beans can be used—just reduce the cooking time. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This hearty dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside American recipes like Country-Style Ribs or a light Turkey Cobb Salad to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but the noodles may become soft upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean Soup With Noodles contains roughly 585 calories, with 36g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (151% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and protein (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1353mg per serving (59% 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 other types of beans for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute other beans like kidney beans or black beans, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Soaking times should remain similar, but always check for tenderness as they cook.
What can I use if I don’t have a ham bone?
If you don't have a ham bone, you can add diced smoked sausage or bacon for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, use a few drops of liquid smoke to impart that smoky taste without the meat.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If your soup is too thin, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or add a slurry made from cornstarch and water. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
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).