Ten Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup with ham, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sort and wash the bean mix, then soak overnight.
- Drain beans and add 2 quarts water, diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, and salt.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
- Add chopped tomatoes (and green chiles if desired).
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a pinch of smoked paprika while simmering. If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans instead; just rinse and add them towards the end of cooking. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely. Pairing your soup with crusty bread enhances the meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ten Bean Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of Crunchy Broccoli-Cauliflower Toss or crusty bread for dipping. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side salad or serving it alongside Faith'S Ham Strata for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ten Bean Soup contains roughly 230 calories, with 5g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1294mg per serving (56% 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 beans instead of canned?
Yes, dried beans are perfect for this recipe! Just make sure to sort and soak them overnight before cooking. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. If you choose to skip soaking, you can use the quick soak method by boiling them for a few minutes and then letting them sit covered for an hour.
What can I add to spice it up?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking. If you enjoy bold flavors, a tablespoon of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Is there a way to make this soup thicker?
Absolutely! For a thicker consistency, you can mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot with a fork or a potato masher. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste can also help thicken the soup.
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).