Hearty Bean And Barley Soup
A hearty, comforting bean and barley soup infused with smoky ham, garlic, carrots, and jalapenos, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. dried Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 2 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 c. fine barley ⓘ
- 1 ham hock ⓘ
- 2 c. coarsely chopped ham ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 8 cloves garlic, chopped
- 6 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 4 (10 1/2 oz.) cans consomme ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 2 fresh jalapeno peppers, split and seeded ⓘ
Instructions
- Sort and wash the Great Northern beans; place in a large Dutch oven.
- Cover the beans with water 2 inches above them and let soak overnight.
- Drain the beans after soaking.
- Add 2 quarts of water to the Dutch oven and bring to a boil.
- Add the soaked beans, ham hock, chopped ham, cooked and drained ground beef, chopped onion, chopped garlic, sliced carrots, consomme, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and split seeded jalapenos.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some thyme during cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ham hock and chopped ham with smoked paprika and additional vegetables. Make sure to rinse the barley before adding it to the soup to remove excess starch, ensuring a better texture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, pair it with a slice of cornbread or enjoy it alongside a dish like Beef Zucchini Casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Bean And Barley Soup contains roughly 780 calories, with 29g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (313% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (235% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2795mg per serving (122% 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 Great Northern beans. If using canned beans, skip the soaking step and reduce the cooking time. Add them about 20 minutes before the soup is done to heat through and absorb the flavors.
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add a little water to adjust the consistency if needed.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value. Adding these during the last 15 minutes of cooking will ensure they retain their color and texture without becoming mushy.
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).