Mom'S Bean Soup
Mom's Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender navy beans, savory ham, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a satisfying and nourishing meal for cold days or anytime you crave comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place navy beans in a 4-quart Dutch oven with 6 to 8 cups water. Heat to boiling and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
- Drain the beans.
- Add 2 quarts water, cubed ham, chopped onions, minced garlic, parsley, salt, basil, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf to the Dutch oven.
- Heat to boiling again.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, try sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the pot. If you don't have navy beans, cannellini or great northern beans work well as substitutes. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a dash of hot sauce before serving. This soup can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. A side of Debbie'S Salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup. For an even heartier option, pair with a Bean And Bacon Sandwich for a satisfying lunch or dinner combination. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch right before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to ensure it doesn't thicken too much. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Bean Soup contains roughly 589 calories, with 19g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (212% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1544mg per serving (67% 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 dried beans instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, using dried beans is perfect for this recipe. Just remember to soak them overnight or follow the quick soak method mentioned in the instructions. This enhances their texture and allows them to absorb flavors during cooking.
What can I add to make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. You could also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick, allowing each person to adjust to their preference.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the cubed ham with smoked tofu or tempeh to retain a similar flavor profile. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of water to deepen the taste, making it a comforting vegetarian option without losing the heartiness.
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).