Sale Ham And Bean Soup
Sale Ham and Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender ham, savory vegetables, and flavorful baked and dried beans. Its sweet and tangy notes from brown sugar and vinegar make it perfect for family dinners or cold evenings, offering a rich, satisfying taste with a nourishing appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ham hock until soft, then trim off all fat.
- Cook all vegetables separately: celery, onions, carrots, and potatoes.
- Mix together the cooked vegetables, cubed ham, baked beans, and drained soaked dry beans in a large pot.
- Add tomato juice, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the mixture until thoroughly warmed and flavors meld.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while cooking the soup. If you're out of navy or Great Northern beans, pinto beans can be a good substitute. Also, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar substitute. This soup is a comforting staple in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham and bean soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. A side salad, like a refreshing Sunny Broccoli Salad, complements this dish well. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. This hearty soup is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, but stir halfway to ensure even heating. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sale Ham And Bean Soup contains roughly 891 calories, with 18g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and potassium (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1219mg per serving (53% 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 leftover ham instead of a ham hock?
Absolutely! If you have leftover ham, simply chop it into cubes and add it to the soup along with the other ingredients. This is a great way to use up leftovers, and it can save you time when preparing your meal.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the beans, and consider adding additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more texture.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add additional broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency. Adjusting the seasoning may be necessary afterward, so taste and tweak as needed. This will help maintain the flavor while achieving the right texture.
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).