Harvest Bean Soup(6 Servings)
Harvest Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beans, savory ham or turkey sausage, and a medley of vegetables. Its rich, savory flavors make it perfect for cozy dinners, providing a nourishing and satisfying meal for family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. dry Great Northern beans or navy beans ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 4 oz. fully cooked ham or fully cooked lean turkey sausage, cut into bite size pieces ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium potato, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried sage, crushed
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the beans thoroughly.
- In a 4-quart Dutch oven or large saucepan, combine the beans and enough water to cover them.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cover; let stand for 1 hour or soak overnight in water, then drain.
- Rinse the beans again and return them to the Dutch oven.
- Stir in 3 1/2 cups water, the pieces of ham or sausage, chopped carrots, chopped potato, chopped onion, salt, oregano, sage, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender, adding more water if necessary.
- Stir in the milk and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, use canned Great Northern or navy beans, rinsing them well before adding to the soup. You can substitute the ham with smoked turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can enhance the flavor. If you like a thicker soup, mash some beans against the pot and stir them in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Harvest Bean Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Wedges With Cheese Sauce for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk if it has thickened. Stir occasionally until heated through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvest Bean Soup(6 Servings) contains roughly 1001 calories, with 18g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (102% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and potassium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1429mg per serving (62% 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 different types of beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Great Northern and navy beans are recommended, you can experiment with other beans like cannellini or pinto beans. Just ensure they are dried or canned and adjust cooking times accordingly if using dried beans.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham or sausage and replace it with additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also add a plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for added substance and flavor.
What can I serve with Harvest Bean Soup?
This soup goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with Ham Sandwiches for a hearty meal or a light green salad. For a heartier pairing, try it alongside Country Cottage Bake; the combination makes for a filling dinner.
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).