Pennsylvania 8 Bean Soup
A hearty Pennsylvania bean soup packed with a variety of beans and ham, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth perfect for family gatherings or cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash beans and barley.
- Place beans and barley in a large kettle and cover with water to 2 inches above the beans.
- Add 2 tablespoons salt.
- Soak overnight and drain in the morning.
- Add 2 quarts water and ham bone or hock to the kettle.
- Bring to a boil and simmer slowly for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove ham bone or hock from the soup.
- Cut off the meat, chop it, and return it to the soup.
- Add chopped onion, canned tomatoes, chili powder, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 1 hour or more.
- Serve with tossed salad and bread of choice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or celery alongside the onion. If you don’t have all the beans, you can substitute with one or two types you prefer. Additionally, soaking the beans overnight helps soften them and reduce cooking time. If you're short on time, using canned beans can speed up the process. This soup is versatile, and you can also explore flavors with a hint of Cajun seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Pennsylvania 8 Bean Soup with a fresh tossed salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Donna's Chili for a comforting dinner. Consider offering toppings like shredded cheese or croutons for added texture. This soup is perfect for gatherings or as a filling lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania 8 Bean Soup contains roughly 68 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1243mg per serving (54% 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, using dried beans is ideal for this recipe. Just remember to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Dried beans can offer a fresher taste compared to canned, making the soup more flavorful.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham bone or hock and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add extra vegetables and spices to enhance the flavor, making it a hearty vegetarian option.
What should I serve with the soup?
This soup is delicious on its own but pairs well with a simple tossed salad and your choice of bread. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Minnesota Hot Dish A La Garrison for a hearty combination.
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).