Colonial Nine Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting bean soup with tender ham, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering rich flavors and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bean mix with water and soak overnight. Drain.
- Add 2 quarts water, ham, onion, garlic, and salt to the soaked beans.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then simmer until the beans are tender, about 1.5 hours.
- Add chopped tomatoes and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly. If you're short on time, a quick soak method can be used: boil the beans for 5 minutes, then let them sit for an hour. You can substitute the ham with smoked turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version. Adding a bay leaf or a pinch of cumin can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Colonial Nine Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. It's great topped with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a simple side salad for a balanced dinner. This dish also pairs beautifully with Oven Baked Macaroni And Cheese for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens. This soup also freezes well; portion it into freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Colonial Nine Bean Soup contains roughly 459 calories, with 10g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1996mg per serving (87% 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 dried beans instead of a bean mix?
Yes, you can use any combination of dried beans, but remember to adjust soaking times accordingly. Each type of bean has a different cooking time, so you may need to cook them longer to ensure they are all tender.
How do I make the soup spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also stir in some hot sauce just before serving to customize the spice level to your taste.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Adding chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the beans for a delicious twist.
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).