Winter Bean Soup
A hearty winter bean soup with smoky ham, tomatoes, and flavorful spices, perfect for warming up cold days and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans well and cover with 6 to 8 cups hot water; bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour. Drain the beans.
- Add 2 quarts cold water and the ham bone to the beans.
- Simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add the chopped onion, chopped celery, tomatoes, chili powder, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and a pinch of baking soda.
- Let simmer for 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Winter Bean Soup, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. If you don't have ham hocks, a smoked turkey leg or bacon can serve as a great substitute for that rich, smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the meat altogether, and browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Winter Bean Soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese can add a nice touch. This soup pairs beautifully with Knott'S Cabbage With Ham as a side, creating a comforting winter feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Winter Bean Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter Bean Soup contains roughly 87 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1200mg per serving (52% 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 beans for a quicker version of this recipe. Use about 4 cans of beans, rinsed and drained, and skip the soaking and boiling steps. Add them when you combine the other ingredients, and simmer until heated through.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder. Alternatively, serve with hot sauce on the side for individual heat preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for more flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into small pieces and add them at the same time as the onion and celery.
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).