New Year'S Bean Soup
A hearty and comforting bean soup featuring a rich tomato base, tender mixed beans, and smoky ham, perfect for warming up on cold days. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a nourishing and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the mixed dried beans overnight with 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Drain the beans the next day and add 2 quarts of water along with the ham bone or ham hocks.
- Simmer slowly for 3 hours until the beans are tender.
- Add the chopped onion, canned tomatoes, lemon juice, chopped garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes or more until flavors meld and beans are fully cooked.
- Thicken the soup if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the soup. If you don't have a ham bone or hocks, smoked turkey or even a vegetarian substitute like smoked paprika can work well. You can also mix in some chopped carrots or celery for additional nutrition. Adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the New Year's Bean Soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten up the dish. It pairs beautifully with Crock-Pot Collard Greens for a comforting southern-inspired meal. Consider offering a simple side salad to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover New Year's Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. This soup also freezes well; store in portions for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Year'S Bean Soup contains roughly 142 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1091mg per serving (47% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned, skip the soaking and cooking times. Rinse and drain the beans, then add them to the soup after the initial simmering of the ham and water. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors.
What if I want a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ham bone or hocks and using vegetable broth instead of water. To add smokiness, incorporate smoked paprika or liquid smoke. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some of the beans against the side of the pot or using an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry or a bit of flour mixed with water can help achieve your desired consistency.
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).