Hasty Hobo Soup

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Hasty Hobo Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with cabbage, beans, vegetables, and ham, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for a quick family meal or a cozy weekend lunch, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, nourishing soup with a savory Parmesan topping.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 5 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 lb. can white or red beans, drained
  • 1 lb. frozen vegetable mix
  • 3/4 lb. smoked ham, cubed
  • 1/4 cup uncooked rice
  • 3 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 6 cups boiling water
  • freshly grated pepper
  • grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Saute cabbage and chopped onions in butter until slightly soft.
  2. Add drained beans, frozen vegetable mix, cubed ham, and uncooked rice.
  3. Add boiling water and chicken bouillon cubes.
  4. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring to coat with butter.
  5. Season with freshly grated pepper and garnish with grated Parmesan before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. You can substitute the smoked ham with cooked sausage or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms for a meatless version. If you don’t have chicken bouillon cubes, use vegetable broth instead to keep it flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

This Hasty Hobo Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. You might also serve it alongside a cheesy garlic bread or even a light sandwich for a satisfying lunch. For added flavor, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a pot and warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup is too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hasty Hobo Soup contains roughly 726 calories, with 31g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (292% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1530mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).

726 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 30.6g 61% DV
Total Fat 11.4g 15% DV
Carbs 131.6g 48% DV
Fiber 12.2g 43% DV
Sugar 8.3g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1530.4mg 67% DV
Potassium 1611.7mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 23.1mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 581mcg 65% DV
Vitamin C 262.5mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 299.8mg 23% DV
Iron 6.5mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this soup a day ahead. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator once cooled. The flavors will meld beautifully, but you may need to add a bit of water when reheating to reach your preferred consistency.

What can I use instead of cabbage?

If you're not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with kale or even spinach for a different texture and flavor. Both options will cook down well and provide their own unique taste to the soup.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove 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).

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