German Bean Soup
A hearty German Bean Soup featuring navy beans, ham, and vegetables, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth perfect for family dinners or cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover navy beans with water and soak overnight.
- Drain, rinse, and cover beans with fresh water.
- Add the ham bone with meat and simmer until beans are soft.
- Skim off excess fat from the soup.
- Add tomato sauce, diced potatoes, chopped onion, diced celery, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until vegetables are almost soft.
- Remove the ham bone and return the picked meat to the soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, use canned navy beans instead of dried; just skip the soaking and simmering steps. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the ham bone with smoked paprika to add depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor. This soup is versatile, so feel free to add leftover vegetables or proteins. It pairs wonderfully with German Heaven And Earth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the German Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It can also be topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and is delicious alongside Pork recipes like Sausage And Sauerkraut.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain consistency and heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Bean Soup contains roughly 689 calories, with 19g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), potassium (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 898mg per serving (39% 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 other types of beans for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute navy beans with other varieties such as great northern beans or pinto beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the beans are tender.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in. Alternatively, adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water can also help thicken the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can soak the beans overnight, then add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Just ensure the beans are fully softened before serving, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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).