Friendship Soup
Friendship Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring beans, ham, and tomatoes, perfect for sharing with friends and family on cozy occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the dry mixed beans.
- Cover the beans with water and soak overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans.
- Add 2 quarts of water, diced ham or sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a large pot.
- Cover and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours until beans are tender.
- Add the canned tomatoes and chilies, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding bay leaves or a dash of hot sauce. If you don’t have mixed beans, any variety of dry beans will work; just adjust cooking times as needed. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ham or sausage with smoked paprika for depth. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Noodles With Cabbage And Sausage for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain consistency. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Friendship Soup contains roughly 435 calories, with 7g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned, skip the soaking and cooking time for the beans, and simply add them to the pot with the tomatoes, simmering until heated through.
What if I don’t have ham or sausage?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding a tablespoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for flavor. Alternatively, use diced smoked tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.
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).