Pat'S Excellent Soup
Pat's Excellent Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring mixed beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for all tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use enough mixed dry beans to make a 1/2-inch layer in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Soak the beans overnight in the water or stock and with the spices stirred in.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and bring it all to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer it, covered, for about 2 hours or until the vegetables are of desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding diced vegetables like carrots or celery to the soup. If you want to reduce cooking time, use canned mixed beans instead of dry beans. Adjusting the spices to your taste is encouraged; try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat. This recipe is versatile, perfect for using up leftover veggies or meats, and pairs beautifully with Cornmeal Dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad, such as Crunchy Rotel Salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside Cheesy Hominy for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or stock to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat'S Excellent Soup contains roughly 433 calories, with 11g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (325% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 18g 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 fresh beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use fresh beans, but they will require less soaking time. Fresh beans usually need to be cooked for about 30 minutes to achieve the desired tenderness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they don't become mushy.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Alternatively, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter version of the soup.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by using vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock. All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes. Just be sure to check the labels on your canned ingredients for any hidden animal products.
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).