Delicious Bean Soup
A hearty bean soup featuring Great Northern beans, ham, and vegetables, offering comforting flavors perfect for chilly days and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak beans overnight in 1 quart of water, then drain beans and measure liquid.
- Add enough water to make 2 quarts.
- Place soaked beans, water, and ham bone in a kettle.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
- Add diced onions, diced potato, diced celery, diced carrots, and minced garlic.
- Simmer for 1 more hour.
- Remove meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve piping hot.
- Any leftovers freeze well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme during the simmering process. If you don't have Great Northern beans, navy beans or pinto beans can work as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and add smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. You can also incorporate some diced tomatoes for added acidity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the presentation and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Frances' Tasty Chops And Rice for a comforting dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Bean Soup contains roughly 817 calories, with 18g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (114% of the Daily Value), potassium (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 492mg per serving (21% 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 dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and simmering steps. Instead, add the drained and rinsed canned beans to the pot with the other vegetables and simmer for about 30 minutes until heated through.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. You can also serve the soup with a side of hot sauce or add a splash of cayenne pepper to the pot during cooking for an extra kick.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add more broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency. Stir well and allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the flavors meld together nicely.
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).