Dawna'S Black Bean Soup
Dawna's Black Bean Soup offers hearty, smoky flavors with bacon, ham, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tie together thyme, basil, parsley, and a bay leaf in a net to create a bouquet garni.
- In a large pot, cook diced bacon until crispy.
- Add diced onion and chopped garlic to the bacon, cook until softened.
- Add dried black beans to the pot and stir well.
- Pour heated beef stock into the pot, along with the ham bone and bouquet garni.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until beans are tender.
- Remove the bouquet garni and ham bone from the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider soaking the black beans overnight before cooking. If you're short on time, you can use canned black beans, but reduce the cooking time accordingly. You can also substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version. Adding a splash of lime juice before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dawna's Black Bean Soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside Mom's Beef And Vegetable Stew for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or stock if it has thickened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dawna'S Black Bean Soup contains roughly 504 calories, with 23g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2921mg per serving (127% 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 in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in a slow cooker by first cooking the bacon and sautéing the onions and garlic. Then, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender.
What can I add for extra heat?
If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat to their liking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version of Dawna's Black Bean Soup, simply omit the bacon and ham bone. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock, and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for added flavor and nutrition.
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).