Grandma'S Bean Soup
Grandma's Bean Soup offers hearty, comforting flavors with smoky ham hocks and tender beans, perfect for family gatherings and cold days. Nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight, then drain.
- Cook all ingredients except carrots and potatoes in water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 hours.
- Add diced carrots and potatoes about 1 hour before the beans are done.
- Remove meat from bones and return it to the soup.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some smoked paprika to the pot while simmering. If you don't have ham hocks, diced smoked sausage can be a great substitute. Also, soaking the beans overnight will help them cook more evenly and reduce cooking time. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, particularly the vinegar and sugar for a balance of acidity and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup with warm, crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Picnic Rolls for a complete family dinner. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. This dish also makes a great base for toppings like shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions, where it can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Bean Soup contains roughly 1002 calories, with 19g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (183% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1724mg per serving (75% 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, skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time. Add the canned beans about 30 minutes before serving, ensuring they heat through. Adjust liquid as needed since canned beans come in liquid.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham hocks and replace them with a smoked vegetable broth for flavor. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give the soup a similar depth. Incorporate additional vegetables, like celery or bell peppers, for extra texture and taste.
What can I serve with this soup?
This bean soup is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with sides such as a fresh green salad or your favorite sandwich. It also goes well with baked potatoes or a side of coleslaw to add crunch and contrast. Consider serving it alongside Ma-Ma'S Ham Loaf for a heartier meal.
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).