Two Bean Soup
A hearty two bean soup featuring tender white beans, fresh green beans, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for comforting lunches or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups white beans, dry ⓘ
- 4 oz. ham, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup green beans, fresh or frozen ⓘ
- 1/4 cup celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 green onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 yellow onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 potato, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons unbleached flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 parsley sprig for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Cover white beans with cold water and soak overnight.
- Drain and place beans in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Add ham and enough cold water to cover beans by 1 inch.
- Bring water to a boil and simmer for about 1 hour or until beans are tender.
- Add green beans, celery, onion, and potato to the saucepan.
- Add enough water to cover the vegetables; simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in. You can substitute the ham with turkey or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian option. If you have leftover vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, feel free to toss them in as well. This recipe is versatile, much like our Easy Chili Beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Two Bean Soup hot, garnished with a sprig of parsley for freshness. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, such as a slice of Big Wheel Loaf, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two Bean Soup contains roughly 430 calories, with 18g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1490mg per serving (65% 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 white beans to save time. Use about 3 cups of canned beans, drained and rinsed, and skip the soaking and initial cooking steps. Just add them with the vegetables and simmer until heated through.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
If you prefer a lighter soup, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for beef broth. It will still provide a flavorful base for the soup without the meatiness, making it suitable for a vegetarian or lighter option.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your Two Bean Soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during the cooking process. Alternatively, serve with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize their spice level.
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).