Sour Bean Soup
A hearty sour bean soup featuring smoked ham, tender vegetables, and a tangy vinegar kick, perfect for comforting family meals and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the smoked picnic ham with a small amount of onion for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Remove the ham from the broth and cut it into small pieces.
- Add water to the broth to adjust the taste and consistency.
- Add sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the broth.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add canned yellow wax beans and the chopped ham back into the soup.
- Bring to a boil and thicken as desired.
- If a sour flavor is desired, add vinegar to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding some diced celery or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you want to enhance the smoky taste, try using smoked paprika. You can substitute the smoked picnic ham with any other smoked pork product or even a vegetarian option like tempeh for a different twist. Adjust the vinegar based on your sour preference to achieve the perfect balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sour bean soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Jaeger Potatoes(Austrian Mountain Dish) or a light sandwich for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sour Bean Soup contains roughly 840 calories, with 20g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (174% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 702mg per serving (31% 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 different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow wax beans are traditional, you can use green beans, kidney beans, or any canned beans you prefer. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed before adding them to the soup to avoid excess sodium.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the smoked picnic ham with smoked tempeh or a plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of the ham broth and add extra seasonings like liquid smoke or smoked paprika to mimic that smoky flavor.
What can I do if the soup is too sour?
If your soup turns out too sour, you can balance it by adding a pinch of sugar or honey. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables like potatoes or carrots can help absorb some of the acidity and mellow the flavor.
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).