Carol'S Bean Soup
A hearty bean soup with smoky sausage, ham, and a rich blend of spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried black beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried white navy beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried black-eyed peas
- 1/2 cup dried lima beans ⓘ
- 3/4 pound spicy sausage
- 1 medium smoked ham hock ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, unpeeled ⓘ
- 3 large sticks celery ⓘ
- parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red wine ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons paprika ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups beef stock ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak all beans in a bowl overnight, except lima beans.
- Soak the beans separately. Cover sausage and ham hocks with water and bring to a boil.
- Add soaked carrot, celery, and parsley to the pot.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 1 hour.
- Remove sausage after 15 minutes and set aside.
- Add chopped canned tomatoes, beef stock, and spices to the pot.
- Chop the sausage and add it back to the soup.
- Simmer until flavors meld and beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
Soaking the beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. If you're short on time, you can use canned beans instead, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. For added depth, consider substituting the spicy sausage with chorizo or andouille. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the flavor profile, much like in Carolyn'S Easy Stew Beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a nice touch. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete dinner. This dish complements well with other American recipes, making it a versatile option for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months, just ensure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carol'S Bean Soup contains roughly 774 calories, with 30g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (196% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (142% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1664mg per serving (72% 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?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix or match with other beans like pinto or cannellini. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different beans may require varying lengths of cooking to achieve tenderness.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and ham hock. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock, and add more vegetables or smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the pot's side or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. This technique adds creaminess while maintaining the hearty texture of 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).