Best Ever Bean Soup
A hearty and smoky bean soup featuring assorted dry beans and rich smoked ham, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the assorted dry beans, then soak them overnight or use quick soak method.
- In a large pot, add the smoked ham or smoked shanks and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1 hour to develop flavor.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and continue simmering for another 30 minutes.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the ham and onions.
- Pour in the can of consomme or beef broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors meld.
- Remove the ham or shanks, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding garlic or smoked paprika while simmering. If you don’t have smoked ham, a few pieces of bacon can enhance the smoky taste. You can also mix in some diced carrots or celery for additional vegetables. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a couple of bay leaves and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bean soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Summer Meat Loaf for a filling dinner. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside cornbread or over rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers and it will keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup, and heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Bean Soup contains roughly 192 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 734mg per serving (32% 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 for a quicker preparation. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and boiling steps. Just add them to the pot after simmering the ham and onion, and adjust the cooking time to about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this bean soup, simply omit the smoked ham and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Consider adding diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers for extra nutrition.
What can I do if my beans are still hard after cooking?
If the beans remain hard after the recommended cooking time, they may be old or improperly stored. Add more liquid and continue to simmer the soup until the beans are tender. For quicker results, you can also transfer the soup to a pressure cooker to help soften the beans.
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).