Old Fashioned Bean Soup
A hearty, comforting bean soup enriched with ham, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for cold days and family gatherings with warm bread on the side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the white beans in water to cover overnight, then drain.
- Place the soaked beans and the ham bone in a large soup kettle, add 3 quarts of water, and simmer slowly for one hour.
- Stir in the mashed potatoes and let simmer for another hour.
- Add diced onions, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the kettle, then simmer for another hour or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the ham bone from the soup, dice the meat off of it, and return the meat to the kettle.
- Discard the ham bone and serve the soup hot with corn bread or large chunks of warm French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced carrots or bay leaves while simmering. If you don't have a ham bone, any smoked meat can work as a substitute. You can also reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth instead of water. For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the beans before adding the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Old Fashioned Bean Soup hot, alongside cornbread or large chunks of warm French bread for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad for a complete dinner. Consider serving it with a slice of your favorite pie for dessert to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to loosen the soup and warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Bean Soup contains roughly 595 calories, with 25g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (163% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), and potassium (95% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 white beans for a quicker option. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and cooking time for the beans. Simply add them to the soup with the ham bone and reduce the simmering time to about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ham bone and substitute vegetable broth for the water. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the flavor of the ham. Consider adding additional vegetables like carrots or diced potatoes for added texture and flavor.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to heat through. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning if you add more liquid.
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).