Mountain Bean Stew
A hearty mountain bean stew loaded with smoky meat, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners seeking robust flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the beans and soak in cold water overnight. Drain.
- Add 2 quarts of water, salt, and the meaty bone to the beans.
- Simmer for 3 hours and then remove the bone, leaving the meat in the pot.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, canned tomatoes, chili powder, lemon juice, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the other vegetables. If you don't have a meaty bone, smoked sausage or ham hocks can be great substitutes for added flavor. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water. Adjust the chili powder to your taste for spiciness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mountain Bean Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad, like Granny's Salad Dressing, to balance the hearty flavors. You can also top the stew with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added richness and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mountain Bean Stew 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 until heated through or microwave it in individual portions. If the stew thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mountain Bean Stew contains roughly 443 calories, with 19g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (476% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1048mg per serving (46% 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 a bean soup mix?
Absolutely! If using dried beans, adjust the soaking time and cooking duration as needed. Rinse and soak them overnight, and then add them to the pot with the water and bone. You may need to extend the cooking time to ensure the beans are tender.
What can I serve with Mountain Bean Stew?
Mountain Bean Stew is quite versatile. You can serve it with cornbread for a comforting meal or pair it with a light side like steamed vegetables. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with Frozen Red Punch to complement the flavors.
Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, you can freeze Mountain Bean Stew! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).