Kay'S Bean Soup
A hearty bean soup featuring tender meat, vegetables, and barley, perfect for comforting family meals and packed with savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown all sides of the soup bone with meat in shortening.
- Add water, quartered onion, and celery leaves; simmer over low heat for about an hour or until the meat falls from the bone.
- Add shredded cabbage, canned tomatoes, canned carrots, diced potatoes, green beans, and barley.
- Simmer until potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaf while simmering the soup. If you don't have a soup bone, a meaty ham hock or a few pieces of smoked sausage can work as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick Cucumber Slices for a refreshing contrast. For added flavor, consider a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
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, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring until evenly warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kay'S Bean Soup contains roughly 418 calories, with 12g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time. Add the soaked beans to the soup during the initial simmering phase to ensure they cook through properly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice.
What can I substitute for barley?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute barley with quinoa or rice. Both will absorb flavors well and add a nice texture to the soup. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
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).