Holiday Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup with smoky ham, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for cozy gatherings and winter comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. package Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the beans, place them in a large pot, cover with water, and soak overnight.
- Drain the beans before cooking.
- Add 2 quarts of water and the ham hock or ham quarters to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beans are tender and flavors meld.
- Add chopped onion, canned tomatoes, chopped red bell pepper, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, tarragon, parsley flakes, paprika, chili powder, basil, celery salt, salt, pepper, and white wine.
- Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 30 to 40 minutes to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before serving. If you don’t have Great Northern beans, you can substitute with navy beans or cannellini beans. For added depth, try incorporating diced carrots or celery. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add some diced jalapeños. This recipe is also great for using leftover ham from your holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Holiday Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a filling meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup. For an extra touch, garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese. It pairs beautifully with Excellent Breakfast Bake for a festive brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup and warm it gently on the stove over medium heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Bean Soup contains roughly 531 calories, with 25g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (127% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1701mg per serving (74% 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the beans. You can enhance the flavors by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky taste typically provided by the meat.
How can I adjust the spice level of the soup?
To control the spice level, you can reduce or omit the chili powder. If you enjoy heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end of cooking to taste. This allows you to customize the spiciness according to your preference.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned, you can skip the soaking and cooking time for the dried beans. Simply rinse and drain the canned beans, and add them to the pot along with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time to allow flavors to meld, about 20-30 minutes.
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).