M.N.'S Favorite Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining smoky bacon, sausage, vegetables, and tomatoes, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. diced bacon ⓘ
- 4 oz. sliced kielbasa ⓘ
- 1 large chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 large chopped carrots ⓘ
- 3 ribs chopped celery ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 1 large can whole tomatoes, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried navy beans, soaked ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, sauté bacon until browned; drain fat.
- Add sausage, onion, carrot, and celery to the kettle.
- Sauté until the onion is tender.
- Add water, tomatoes, and beans to the kettle.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until beans are almost tender.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients: tomato juice, bay leaf, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, marjoram, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and mustard.
- Simmer, covered, until flavors meld and soup is heated through.
- Discard the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier texture, consider adding diced potatoes or corn to the soup. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used instead of dried; just add them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, so feel free to replace dried basil and marjoram with fresh if available. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes that highlight comforting flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve M.N.'S Favorite Soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top can add a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Cheri'S Creamy Bean Soup for a delicious bean-themed dinner. For added warmth, consider offering a side of Ham Cheese Roll-Up for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of M.N.'S Favorite Soup contains roughly 330 calories, with 13g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1247mg per serving (54% 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?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and kielbasa. Replace the meat with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and consider adding a plant-based protein such as lentils for heartiness. Adjust seasonings to enhance the flavor profile.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the navy beans against the side of the kettle after they have cooked until tender. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender or food processor and then stir it back in for a creamy texture.
What can I serve with this soup?
M.N.'S Favorite Soup is great on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs nicely. For a more filling option, serve with a side of Jonda'S Very Best Tomato Casserole for a comforting dinner.
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).