Beans And Cracked Corn Soup
Hearty beans and cracked corn soup with tender ham, rich flavors, and a comforting texture, perfect for family dinners or cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick the corn and wash it.
- Soak the corn overnight to soften.
- Cook the soaked corn until soft.
- Wash the ham and boil until almost tender.
- Pick the beans and wash them; bring to a boil.
- Drain the water from the beans.
- Cut the ham into small pieces. Add the ham, cooked corn, and beans to a large pot.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients in the pot.
- Cook on medium heat until the beans are done and the soup thickens, stirring constantly to avoid sticking.
- Before serving, add a stick of margarine to the pot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, try using smoked ham shanks for a richer taste. If you don't have Northern white beans, navy beans can be a good substitute. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more vegetables like carrots and potatoes. If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving a side salad or a dish like Chili With Pork And Beans to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the soup and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans And Cracked Corn Soup contains roughly 160 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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?
Absolutely! If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the soup. This will ensure they are soft enough and integrate well with the other ingredients.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your soup is too watery, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot. Another option is to add a bit of cornmeal mixed with water to create a thicker consistency.
What kind of corn can I use if I can't find cracked corn?
If cracked corn is unavailable, you can use cornmeal or even frozen corn as an alternative. Just be aware that using cornmeal may change the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious.
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).