"Old Florida Footprint" Black Bean Soup
Rich and hearty black bean soup infused with smoky salt pork, aromatic herbs, and vegetables, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash beans and check for stones.
- Soak beans overnight in a crock-pot or equivalent-sized pot without draining.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, bay leaves, salt, pepper, basil, and chopped salt pork to the soaked beans.
- Place the crock-pot on low heat and cook all day, stirring occasionally.
- Remove salt pork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing this Black Bean Soup, consider using smoked turkey or ham hocks as a substitute for salt pork if you prefer a leaner option. Soaking the beans overnight ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Black Bean Soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal. You might also enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or as a filling in Breakfast Sausage Sandwiches for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Old Florida Footprint" Black Bean Soup contains roughly 249 calories, with 11g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1129mg per serving (49% 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 black beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned black beans to save time. Start by rinsing and draining the beans. Add them to the pot along with the other ingredients in step 3. Reduce the cooking time to about 1-2 hours on low heat, just until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
What can I serve with Black Bean Soup?
This soup is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with avocado slices, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. For a heartier option, try it alongside recipes like Deep Dish Chili.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this Black Bean Soup, simply omit the salt pork and replace it with vegetable broth for added flavor. You can enhance the umami taste by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth without the meat.
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).