New Orleans Seven Bean Soup
A hearty New Orleans seven bean soup packed with smoky sausage, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for comforting gatherings and flavorful family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak 2 cups of mixed beans for 4 hours. Drain and rinse.
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil and add the soaked beans.
- Cook on low for 2 hours until beans are tender.
- Cook sausage or hamburger separately and drain excess fat.
- Add cooked sausage or hamburger to the beans.
- Add chopped onion, canned tomatoes, oregano, and chopped green pepper.
- Add hot sauce and salt to taste.
- Simmer the mixture for an additional hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked sausage or a ham hock to the pot. If you can't find mixed beans, substitute with pinto, black, or kidney beans. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sausage or adding cayenne pepper. This soup is versatile; you can also incorporate vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions. It pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a light salad or the Imitation Ham Loaf for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the soup from thickening too much. You can reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Seven Bean Soup contains roughly 276 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (112% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1965mg per serving (85% 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 sausage or hamburger and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
What kind of beans are best for this recipe?
A mix of beans works best, but if you're looking for specific types, pinto, black, or kidney beans are excellent choices. Each adds a different flavor and texture to the soup, making it hearty and satisfying.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot while cooking or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. This will create a creamier texture without altering the flavor.
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).