Two Bean Chowder
A hearty two bean chowder featuring white and kidney beans, smoky ham hock, and savory vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the beans in water overnight or for a quick soak, bring the beans and water to a boil for 2 minutes.
- Cover and let stand for 1 hour, then add the smoked ham hock to the beans.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove the ham hock and cut up the meat.
- Mash a portion of the beans in the pot.
- Return the meat to the soup.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced celery, diced carrots, and crushed red pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add milk and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the chowder before adding the milk. If you don’t have smoked ham hock, try using smoked turkey or even a vegetarian option such as liquid smoke for flavor. This chowder can also be enhanced with fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, consider serving Butterscotch Treats to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of milk if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two Bean Chowder contains roughly 510 calories, with 19g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% 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 dry beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, simply rinse and drain them, and add them to the pot after the initial simmering step, reducing cooking time significantly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This chowder freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make the chowder vegetarian, simply omit the smoked ham hock and replace it with vegetable broth for the base. You can add a few drops of liquid smoke for flavor, and include more vegetables or beans for protein.
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).