Eight Bean Soup Mix
Hearty eight bean soup with ham, tomatoes, and spices offers rich flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for family dinners or cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and soak 1 1/2 cups of bean mixture with 1 tablespoon of salt for 3 hours, then drain.
- Add ham bone or 1 1/2 pounds of ham scraps to the soaked beans.
- Boil in 3 quarts of water for 3 hours or until tender.
- Add 1 (No. 2) can tomatoes, 1 large chopped onion, 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies, and 1 crushed garlic clove.
- Season with salt and Tabasco sauce to taste.
- Add 1 bay leaf and the juice of 1 lemon.
- Simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the onion. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. You can also use canned beans for a quicker preparation; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. For added depth, try including a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Eight Bean Soup with a crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Kline'S Baked Beans for a comforting, hearty dinner. For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of cheese can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eight Bean Soup Mix contains roughly 507 calories, with 11g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1457mg per serving (63% 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 the eight bean mix?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them separately. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of beans you choose. Combine them with the other ingredients once they are tender.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, consider using a spicier variety of canned tomatoes and chilies, or add fresh jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste. You can also increase the amount of Tabasco sauce to your preference.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and replace it with vegetable broth for a rich flavor. You can also enhance the taste with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the depth that ham provides.
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).