Wintry Day Bean Soup
Wintry Day Bean Soup is a hearty, warming dish featuring tender beans, smoky ham or sausage, and a rich tomato-based broth. Flavored with onion, garlic, chili powder, and lemon juice, it offers comforting flavors perfect for cold days, suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the beans and place them in a large kettle.
- Cover the beans with water and add salt.
- Soak overnight.
- Drain the beans.
- Add 2 quarts of water and the ham or sausage to the kettle.
- Simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, chili powder, tomatoes, and lemon juice.
- Simmer the soup for an additional 45 minutes.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before serving. If you don't have beans on hand, you can substitute with canned beans, rinsed and drained. Additionally, smoked turkey can be used instead of ham or sausage for a lighter option. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference; this soup is versatile and can be customized. It pairs beautifully with Garbanzo Bean Soup for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Pork Chops With Tomato Sauce, which complements the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the soup's consistency. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wintry Day Bean Soup contains roughly 1133 calories, with 26g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 convenience. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the soup. You'll want to reduce the cooking time since canned beans are already cooked; add them during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add additional vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. Consider adding smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
What type of beans work best for this recipe?
Any type of dried beans can be used, but kidney beans or pinto beans are popular choices due to their texture and flavor. Be sure to soak them overnight to ensure they cook evenly and are tender.
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).