Grandma Simon'S Bean Soup
Grandma Simon's Bean Soup offers hearty, smoky flavors with ham hocks, vegetables, and beans, perfect for comforting family meals and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 lb. smoked, skinless ham hocks ⓘ
- 1 (4-inch) onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2/3 cup carrot slices (1/4-inch thick) ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 1/2 quarts water ⓘ
- 1/2 quart tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
- 48 oz. jar precooked Randall Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/2 cup quick barley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop the garlic finely and brown the onion slices until golden.
- In a large pot, combine water, tomato juice, ham hocks, chopped onion, garlic, celery, carrot slices, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour to develop flavors.
- Add the precooked beans, beef bouillon granules, and quick barley to the pot.
- Continue simmering for an additional 30-60 minutes until the beans and vegetables are tender.
- Remove ham hocks, debone and chop the meat, then return it to the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or diced tomatoes for acidity. If you don't have ham hocks, diced smoked sausage can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the meat, adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms instead. Adjust the seasoning gradually, as the ham hocks add significant saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting bean soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Tasty 'N Tender Round Steak. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings and makes excellent leftovers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it heats evenly. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Simon'S Bean Soup contains roughly 1139 calories, with 31g protein, 251g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (203% of the Daily Value), and iron (187% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1631mg per serving (71% 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 precooked beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans. If using dried Great Northern beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the soup. This will require additional cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked and flavorful.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply stir in additional water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Heat it gently after adding the liquid to ensure everything is well combined and warmed through.
Can I freeze the bean soup?
Yes, you can freeze the bean soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or microwave.
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).