Shaker Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup with tender ham, vegetables, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for family gatherings or casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the beans; place in a Dutch oven, cover with water, and bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat; let stand for 1 hour.
- Drain the beans and discard the liquid.
- Return beans to the pan; add the meat and 3 quarts of water, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat easily falls from the bone.
- Remove and trim the meat from the bones; discard the bones.
- Return the meat to the pan and add the chopped onion, diced celery, shredded carrots, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
- Add the crushed tomatoes in puree and brown sugar; cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Just before serving, add spinach.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. If you don't have Great Northern beans, you can substitute with navy beans or any other white beans. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor. You can also enhance the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shaker Bean Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely, balancing the richness of the soup. Consider topping each bowl with fresh spinach just before serving for added color and nutrition. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a filling lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup and heat gently on the stove until warmed through. This soup also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shaker Bean Soup contains roughly 54 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% 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 canned beans instead of dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and initial boiling steps. Add them to the pot along with the vegetables and adjust the cooking time, simmering just long enough to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
What can I substitute for the ham bone?
If you don't have a ham bone, you can use diced smoked sausage or bacon for a similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider adding liquid smoke to mimic the taste, or use a combination of mushrooms and smoked paprika for depth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat to the Shaker Bean Soup, incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to customize their spice level.
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).