Turnip Green Soup
A hearty and savory turnip green soup with beans, smoked sausage, and ham, perfect for comforting gatherings and flavorful winter meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the beans with water and soak or rinse if necessary.
- Add the ham bone or chopped ham to a large pot and cook for about 2 hours.
- Add chopped onions, potatoes, and frozen turnip greens with roots to the pot.
- Cook for about 45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add smoked sausage links to the soup.
- Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Cook for another 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. If you don't have Great Northern beans, you can substitute with navy beans. Don't hesitate to add additional vegetables like carrots or celery for more flavor. Adjust the heat level by using more or less cayenne pepper based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Turnip Green Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Kilawin for a flavorful dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. This soup also makes a great starter for a cozy family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turnip Green Soup contains roughly 936 calories, with 20g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), potassium (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% 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 Great Northern beans. Just drain and rinse them, and add them to the pot during the last 20 minutes of cooking to heat through. This will save you a lot of time compared to soaking and cooking dried beans.
What can I use if I don't have a ham bone?
If you don't have a ham bone, you can use diced ham or even smoked turkey for a similar flavor. Alternatively, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke to impart that smoky taste without the bone.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ham and smoked sausage. Instead, use vegetable broth for cooking the beans and add extra vegetables for flavor. You could also include some smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
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).