Hearty Spam Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining Spam, beans, and bold spices, perfect for comforting meals and fans of savory, smoky flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and soak dried pinto beans overnight.
- In a large pot, combine soaked beans, tomato juice, Calcine stock, chopped onion, minced garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, bay leaves, oregano, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 3 to 4 hours until beans are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots to the soup. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for the Spam. Be sure to soak the pinto beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. Adjust seasoning to your taste; a touch of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a filling meal. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions on top adds a refreshing touch. This soup pairs beautifully with Busy Day Apple Turnovers for dessert. For an extra kick, consider serving with a side of spicy pickles or hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, ensuring it’s heated evenly. The flavors will continue to meld and improve after a day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Spam Soup contains roughly 1235 calories, with 43g protein, 250g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (358% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 928mg per serving (40% 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 pinto beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute canned pinto beans for dried ones. If using canned beans, add them during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to heat through and absorb the flavors, reducing the overall cooking time significantly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the Spam and using vegetable broth instead of Calcine stock. You might want to enhance the flavor with additional spices or smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness of Spam.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If your soup is too watery, you can thicken it by mashing a portion of the beans against the side of the pot and stirring them back in. Alternatively, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and concentrate the flavors.
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).