Mom'S Butter Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting butter bean soup infused with smoky pork, savory onions, and chili sauce, perfect for a satisfying, inexpensive meal suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put dried butter beans in water about three times their depth; add the pork shoulder and chopped onion.
- Cook until the beans are tender, adding water as needed during cooking.
- When beans are tender, season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in chili sauce.
- Shred bits of the cooked meat into the soup if desired, or serve the meat on the side for sandwiches.
- Simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked pork shoulder instead of fresh. If you don't have dried butter beans, canned beans can be substituted, but reduce the cooking time. To enhance the taste, adding garlic or a bay leaf while cooking can elevate the dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, you might mix in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mom's Butter Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A side of Braised Red Cabbage And Apples complements the soup well, adding a sweet and tangy contrast. For a complete dinner, pair it with a light salad or the Rhineland Potato Salad for a refreshing finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup is too thick. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Butter Bean Soup contains roughly 138 calories, with 10g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 621mg per serving (27% 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 create a vegetarian version by omitting the pork and using vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the beans. You can also add smoked paprika to impart a smoky flavor without meat.
How do I know when the beans are tender?
Beans are tender when they can be easily mashed between your fingers or with a fork. Cooking times can vary, so check them periodically after the first hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.
What can I do with leftover pork?
Leftover pork can be shredded and used in sandwiches or tacos for another meal. You can also incorporate it into a salad or stir-fry to utilize those flavors in a different way.
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).