Calico Bean Soup
Calico Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with a mix of assorted beans, tender ham, and flavorful vegetables. The combination of tomatoes, chili powder, and seasonings creates a rich, smoky flavor profile. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a satisfying, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the beans in water for 12 hours.
- Drain the beans; add 8 cups of water and ham hocks to a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 3 hours.
- Add the tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped carrots, chili powder, salt, pepper, and lemon slice to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil again.
- Reduce heat; simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bones from the soup and cut the meat from the bones.
- Return the meat to the soup and discard the lemon slice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or smoked paprika to the soup. If you don't have ham hocks, diced ham or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms can be used. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference. This recipe is also adaptable—feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition, similar to those found in Ham And Vegetable Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Calico Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A simple side salad can brighten the plate and balance the richness of the soup. For a complete experience, pair it with Ham Stuffed Eggs as an appetizer. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving can add a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the soup, and warm it on the stove over low heat for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calico Bean Soup contains roughly 109 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 993mg per serving (43% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If you do, skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time. Add the canned beans during the last 30 minutes of simmering to heat through without overcooking them.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham hocks and replace them with a smoky flavor enhancer like liquid smoke or smoked paprika. Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer flavor, and consider adding diced potatoes for added heartiness.
What are the best beans to use for this soup?
A mix of beans works best for flavor and texture. Popular choices include kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and navy beans. The assorted dry beans provide a variety of tastes and make the soup visually appealing.
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).