Five-Star Soup
Five-Star Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ham, smoked sausage, and tender beans with fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots. Perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table with its robust taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. (1 lb.) dried large white navy beans ⓘ
- 6 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 1 shank end fully cooked ham (about 3 lb.) ⓘ
- 4 c. shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 2 c. thinly sliced carrots
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. smoked sausage links, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 can (about 1 lb.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. elbow macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Pick over beans, rinse and place in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over, cover and let stand 1 hour.
- In a large pot, combine the soaked beans, ham, cabbage, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and sausage.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until beans are tender.
- Stir in the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and macaroni. Continue to cook until the macaroni is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. If you don’t have navy beans, great northern beans can be used as a substitution. You can also vary the vegetables based on what you have on hand; adding some diced potatoes or bell peppers can enhance flavor and texture. For a spicier kick, try including some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Five-Star Soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Barbecue Green Beans for a delightful side dish. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the presentation and flavor. This dish is perfect for meal prep; the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in a bowl, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much during storage. This soup freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Five-Star Soup contains roughly 821 calories, with 26g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (212% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2140mg per serving (93% 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, add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Rinse and drain the canned beans before adding them to the soup, and reduce the amount of water used to avoid making the soup too watery.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Five-Star Soup, omit the ham and sausage. Replace them with vegetable broth for flavor, and consider adding more hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also increase the beans for protein, making it just as satisfying without the meat.
How long does this soup take to cook?
The total cooking time for this soup is about 2 hours, which includes 1 hour for soaking the beans and another hour for simmering the ingredients. However, the active cooking time is approximately 30-40 minutes once you combine all the ingredients. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld!
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).