Spanish Bean Soup(Florida Cracker Style)
Spanish Bean Soup (Florida Cracker Style) is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ham, garbanzo beans, chorizo, and potatoes simmered in aromatic garlic and onion broth. Perfect for comforting gatherings, it offers rich flavors with a smoky, savory profile and pairs beautifully with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, put in the ham bone and cover with water.
- Add 2 sliced onions and garlic, bring to a low boil, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add pepper, garlic herb seasoning, chorizos, and garbanzo beans. Simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add potatoes and the remaining sliced onions.
- Taste and add more garlic if needed. Simmer for 1 hour.
- Serve the soup warm with Cuban bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a bay leaf during simmering. If you don't have garbanzo beans, cannellini beans work as a great substitute. For a spicier kick, use spicy chorizo or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Make sure to season to taste, as the ham bone adds saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish Bean Soup warm, accompanied by crusty Cuban bread for dipping. A simple side salad with fresh greens and a citrus vinaigrette complements the dish well. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Baked Sauerkraut And Pork Chops for a satisfying feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Bean Soup(Florida Cracker Style) contains roughly 528 calories, with 22g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of bean?
Yes, while garbanzo beans are traditional, you can easily substitute them with cannellini or navy beans. Just ensure they are cooked or canned for easier incorporation into the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and chorizo. You can use vegetable broth for a rich base and add smoked paprika to mimic the depth of flavor typically provided by the meat.
What can I do with the leftover ham bone?
After making the soup, you can use the leftover ham bone to flavor other dishes like bean stews or lentil soups. Just simmer it with water and aromatics to create a delicious broth.
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).