Scottish Rite Bean Soup
A hearty Scottish Bean Soup featuring navy beans, ham, ground beef, and vegetables, simmered to create a thick, flavorful comfort dish perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the navy beans in water for 8 hours or overnight.
- Combine tomatoes, tomato juice, and water in a large pot.
- Chop green pepper, celery stalk, and large onion.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot.
- Add chopped vegetables, cooked ground beef, diced ham, and seasonings to the beans.
- Simmer the mixture until the beans are tender and the flavors meld, approximately 1-2 hours on the stovetop.
- Alternatively, cook in a crock-pot on high for 8 hours or longer.
- Serve the soup hot, enjoying its thick, hearty texture.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering or using smoked ham for a deeper taste. If you don't have Great Northern beans, cannellini or navy beans work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and ground beef and add more vegetables or a protein like lentils. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or paprika for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Scottish Rite Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Iroquois Corn Soup for a diverse and satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scottish Rite Bean Soup contains roughly 540 calories, with 25g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 798mg per serving (35% 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, you can use dried beans instead of canned. Just soak 1 lb. of dried Great Northern beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse them before adding to the pot with the other ingredients. This will ensure that they cook properly and absorb all the flavors.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added flavor, consider including spices such as cumin or paprika. You could also add a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to tailor the taste to your liking.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and the flavors improve over time. Make a large batch and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to freeze any portions you won't eat within a few days.
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).