Southern Bean Soup
Southern Bean Soup is a hearty, comforting dish with tender beans, smoky ham, and flavorful vegetables, perfect for family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick and wash the dried Northern beans; add them to water.
- Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.
- Cover and remove from heat; let stand for 1 hour to soak.
- Add the ham bone, minced garlic, and bay leaf to the water and beans; bring back to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours or until beans are almost done.
- Add chopped onion, sliced celery, diced carrots, and cooked mashed potatoes.
- Cover and simmer for another hour.
- Remove the ham bone, cut off the meat, and return the meat to the pot.
- Add evaporated skim milk or more to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced smoked sausage or using leftover ham instead of a ham bone. If Northern beans are unavailable, Great Northern or Navy beans can be substituted. Adjust the thickness by using more or less evaporated skim milk. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary; you might want to try adding a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southern Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with cornbread, such as Ben Johnson Jalapeno Corn Bread, or a simple green salad. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly days and can be a main course or served as a side with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if it thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Bean Soup contains roughly 1560 calories, with 28g protein, 256g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (101% of the Daily Value), and calcium (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2093mg per serving (91% 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 dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for a quicker version of this soup. If using canned beans, skip the soaking and boiling steps and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through. Be sure to rinse and drain the beans to reduce sodium content.
What can I add for more flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the taste. Additionally, incorporating diced tomatoes or bell peppers can add a nice twist to the traditional recipe.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and replace it with a hearty vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for depth of flavor. Smoked paprika can also help replicate the smoky flavor that the ham bone would provide.
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).