Campfire Bean Soup
A hearty campfire bean soup with smoky ham, tender potatoes, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for outdoor gatherings and rustic cooking adventures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange a grid over your open fire and position a soup pot over it.
- Saute chopped onion and chopped celery in bacon fat until soft.
- Cover with water and add diced potatoes.
- Cook until potatoes are soft.
- Add smoked ham hock and diced ham.
- When the ham hock is warmed through, add navy beans and more water if necessary.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and eat around the campfire.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a bay leaf while cooking. If you don't have bacon fat, olive oil can be a great substitute. You can also use different beans like black beans or pinto beans if navy beans aren't available. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Campfire Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal. A side salad with vinaigrette can brighten the flavors, making for a well-rounded dinner. This soup pairs beautifully with Bacon And Chive Potato Pancakes for a hearty campfire feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Campfire Bean Soup contains roughly 219 calories, with 10g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooking. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
What can I use instead of a ham hock?
If you don't have a ham hock, you can replace it with smoked sausage or even a few strips of crispy bacon for that smoky flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham hock and diced ham. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth and flavor, and consider adding smoked paprika to maintain the smokiness.
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).