Speckled Butter Bean Chowder
A hearty and comforting bean chowder featuring tender speckled butter beans, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for cozy meals and satisfying lunch or dinner options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large heavy saucepan.
- Cook chopped onion, sliced celery, and diced carrots until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add speckled butter beans with liquid to the saucepan.
- Add salt, pepper, sugar, chopped tomatoes, water, and beef bouillon cube.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes or longer.
- Serve hot, and reheat if prepared ahead.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing minced garlic along with the onion and celery. If you're short on speckled butter beans, you can substitute with other varieties like lima beans or pinto beans. Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can enhance the dish's aroma. Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted broth instead of a bouillon cube.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a unique twist, try it alongside Spicy Cheese Log as an appetizer to complement the hearty flavors of the chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency, then gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Speckled Butter Bean Chowder contains roughly 1012 calories, with 11g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (229% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1984mg per serving (86% 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 make this chowder vegetarian?
Yes, to make this chowder vegetarian, simply replace the beef bouillon cube with a vegetable bouillon cube. This will maintain the depth of flavor while keeping the dish plant-based. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of water can enhance the overall taste.
How can I thicken the chowder if it's too thin?
If your chowder turns out thinner than desired, you can thicken it by blending a portion of the beans and returning them to the pot. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry made with equal parts cornstarch and water can be stirred in and simmered until thickened.
Is it possible to freeze the chowder?
Yes, this chowder can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water to maintain consistency.
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).