Winter'S Day Bean Soup
A hearty winter bean soup packed with mixed beans, smoked sausage, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for warming up cold evenings and satisfying a family craving for comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed beans (Great Northern, navy, black, garbanzo, split green peas, pinto or red beans) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salt ⓘ
- 1 or 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 quarts water ⓘ
- 2 cups diced ham or sliced smoked sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the mixed beans thoroughly.
- Place the beans in a large pot.
- Cover the beans with water and soak overnight.
- Drain the soaked beans.
- Add 2 quarts of water and the ham or smoked sausage to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until beans are tender.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, chopped tomatoes, and lemon juice to the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 45 minutes to develop flavors.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup after cooking. You can substitute the mixed beans with canned beans for a quicker option; just reduce the cooking time. If you're looking to add heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish. For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Explore other American recipes for seasonal inspirations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Baked Fish With Vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a simple salad or some cornbread. This versatile soup is perfect for cozy winter gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter'S Day Bean Soup contains roughly 290 calories, with 7g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (171% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1410mg per serving (61% 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, you can use dried beans for this recipe; just be sure to soak them overnight as directed. This will help them cook evenly and reduce cooking time. If using canned beans, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they only need to be heated through rather than fully cooked.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering stage. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add depth. Additionally, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce before serving can give the soup an extra kick.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Winter's Day Bean Soup is naturally gluten-free, as it primarily consists of beans and vegetables. However, always check the labels of any packaged ingredients, such as broth or canned tomatoes, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
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).