Bedford Bean Soup
A hearty bean soup with smoky ham, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting family meals and suitable for vegetarians if ham is omitted.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried beans in water overnight or for at least 8 hours, then drain.
- In a large pot, sauté the diced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the soaked beans, crushed or stewed tomatoes, ham stock, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour or until beans are tender.
- Stir in the bite-sized ham pieces and lemon juice, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For additional flavor, consider adding diced carrots or celery when sautéing the onion and garlic. If you don’t have ham stock, chicken or vegetable stock works well too. You can also use canned beans for a quicker option, but ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. This soup is perfect for meal prep as it can be easily frozen and served later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bedford Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Hot Ham And Cheese Rounds for a delicious lunch or dinner. For an extra layer of flavor, top the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of cheese before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Bedford Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bedford Bean Soup contains roughly 174 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1501mg per serving (65% 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 different types of beans for this soup?
Yes, you can use a variety of dried beans such as navy, pinto, or kidney beans. Just be aware that different beans have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly. Mixing different beans can also enhance the texture and flavor of the soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable stock instead of ham stock. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider increasing the chili powder or adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, allowing each guest to customize the spice level to their liking.
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).