Cabbage And Bean Soup
Hearty cabbage and bean soup with smoky ham hock, aromatic herbs, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for a family dinner or cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the dried white beans and place them in a large saucepot with cold water to cover. Soak for 6 hours.
- Drain the beans after soaking.
- In the same pot, combine the soaked beans, smoked ham hock, crushed garlic, chopped onion, dried rosemary, and 8 cups of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add sliced carrots, shredded green cabbage, and salt to the pot.
- Continue to simmer for an additional hour until the beans are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some smoked paprika to the soup. If you don’t have dried white beans, you can substitute with canned beans—just rinse and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also use leftover ham or turkey in place of the ham hock for a lighter version. This soup is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Wild Rice And Cranberry Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a touch of heat, consider garnishing with red pepper flakes or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for warming up on a chilly day!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage And Bean Soup contains roughly 385 calories, with 17g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and potassium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the smoked ham hock and using vegetable broth instead of water. Consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke for depth of flavor and using smoked paprika to maintain the smoky essence.
How do I know when the beans are fully cooked?
The beans are fully cooked when they are tender and can be easily mashed between your fingers or with a fork. If they still feel firm or crunchy, continue simmering the soup and check every 10 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the type and age of the beans used.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very adaptable. Feel free to add additional vegetables like potatoes, celery, or even diced tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the vegetables you choose.
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).