Spanish Bean Soup(Guiso De Garbanzos)
A hearty Spanish bean soup with smoky sausage, ham hock, and vegetables, delivering rich flavors and comforting warmth perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 (16 oz.) cans garbanzo beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken stock or water ⓘ
- 1 smoked ham hock ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. crushed garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 large potato, diced ⓘ
- 1/3 head cabbage, leaves separated ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in olive oil in a large pot (cast-iron preferred).
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Do not add salt; rely on the ham and sausage for flavor.
- If lower fat is desired, omit the ham hock or refrigerate and skim the fat.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage and omit the ham hock. To enhance the soup's heartiness, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini. Remember to adjust cooking time based on your additions to ensure everything is tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish Bean Soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro can add a burst of color and flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. This dish also makes a great main course alongside Chicken and Sausage Creole for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Bean Soup(Guiso De Garbanzos) contains roughly 274 calories, with 11g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 922mg per serving (40% 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 garbanzo beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can! If using dried garbanzo beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the soup. Adjust the chicken stock or water accordingly, as you'll need to account for the cooking liquid from the beans.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You could also add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic. Adjust the spice level to your taste for a warming kick.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors deepen over time. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat meals. Just follow the storage tips for the best results.
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).