Our Favorite Bean Soup
A hearty bean soup with smoky ham, tomatoes, and chili spices, perfect for comforting meals. Rich flavors suit family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the pinto beans.
- Place beans in a large kettle.
- Cover with water 2 inches above the beans.
- Add 2 tablespoons salt.
- Soak overnight; drain in the morning.
- Add 2 quarts of water and ham bone or ham piece to the kettle.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 3 hours.
- Add chopped onion and canned tomatoes to the soup.
- Season with chili powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the ham bone.
- Cut up the meat and return pieces to the soup.
- Simmer for 1 hour or more.
- Serve hot, good with tossed salad and crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. If you don’t have pinto beans, navy or black beans can be used as substitutes. Adding a bay leaf during the simmering process can enhance the flavor. For a spicier kick, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce, which can also be a great addition for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean soup hot, accompanied by a fresh tossed salad and crackers for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with Janet'S Glazed Ham With Dijon Pineapple Sauce for an extra touch of flavor. For a complete table spread, consider offering a side of cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Favorite Bean Soup contains roughly 166 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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 ham bone or piece and using vegetable broth instead of water. For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic and adding smoked paprika to mimic the depth usually provided by the ham.
How can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?
Feel free to adjust the salt and chili powder according to your preference. Start with the recommended amounts, then taste as it simmers, adding more if desired. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also be sprinkled on top before serving for added freshness.
How do I know when the beans are done cooking?
The beans are done cooking when they are tender and creamy, which usually takes about 3-4 hours of simmering after soaking. If they are still firm, continue to simmer and check every 15-20 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness.
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).