Lazy Day Bean Soup
A hearty, flavorful bean soup with smoky and tangy notes, perfect for a comforting, easy meal suited for casual gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. navy beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. split peas ⓘ
- 1 lb. black-eyed peas
- 1 lb. large lima beans ⓘ
- 1 large can undrained chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp liquid smoke ⓘ
- 1 large onion
- ham or Polish sausage ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the pinto beans, navy beans, split peas, black-eyed peas, and large lima beans overnight. Drain them afterward.
- Add the soaked beans to a large pot with 2 quarts of water, chopped onion, and ham or Polish sausage. Simmer for 3 hours.
- In a separate pan, simmer the undrained chopped tomatoes with chili powder, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and liquid smoke for 30 minutes.
- Add the tomato mixture to the beans and continue to simmer together for an additional 40 minutes until flavors meld and beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, use canned beans instead of dried ones, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer a smokier flavor, add more liquid smoke or try smoked sausage as a substitute for ham. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the flavor profile. This recipe is versatile; feel free to throw in veggies like carrots or celery for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Razor Back Corn Bread for a comforting dinner. Top with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. This dish is also perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lazy Day Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Day Bean Soup contains roughly 219 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 544mg per serving (24% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute with other beans like kidney beans or black beans based on your preference. Just ensure they are soaked if using dried beans to maintain the cooking time and texture.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
What can I do if the beans are still hard after cooking?
If your beans are still hard, they may need more cooking time. Continue to simmer the soup, adding extra water if necessary, until the beans reach the desired tenderness. Make sure they were adequately soaked before cooking, as this affects their cooking time.
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).