Hearty Bean Soup

Hearty Bean Soup Recipe - A Delicious American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Hearty Bean Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with protein and fiber from the black beans, and the addition of smoked meat gives it a rich and savory flavor. Serve this soup with a side of hot cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

History

Bean soups have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Black beans, in particular, have been a popular ingredient in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. This recipe for Hearty Bean Soup combines traditional bean soup ingredients with a smoky twist from the addition of smoked meat.

Ingredients

2 cups dry pinto beans or black beans
1.5 qt (1.42 liters) chicken broth or ham broth
1 qt (946 ml) water
1.5 lb (680 g) smoked ham hocks or leftover ham bone with bits of meat
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups sliced carrots
4 cloves garlic, crushed
hot peppers to taste (optional)
salt to taste (optional)
0.25 cup dry sherry
4 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Wash the beans and drain them.
Place the beans in a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them. Let them soak overnight.
Alternatively, bring the beans to a boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let them stand for 1 hour. Drain the beans.
Add the broth, water, ham hocks, onion, carrots, garlic, hot peppers, and salt to the saucepan.
Heat the mixture until it reaches boiling point, then reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 3 hours or until the beans are very tender.
Stir the mixture occasionally while cooking and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
If more liquid is needed, add boiling broth or water.
Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hocks from the saucepan.
Transfer about half of the soup to a blender and puree it. Return the pureed soup to the saucepan.
Stir in the sherry.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with mounds of rice.

Variations

Use different types of beans, such as kidney beans or pinto beans, in place of black beans.
Add diced tomatoes or corn for a pop of color and flavor.
Use different types of smoked meat, such as ham or bacon, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight or using the quick-soak method helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.

- Adding hot peppers to the soup gives it a spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

- Pureeing a portion of the soup and adding it back to the pot helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hearty Bean Soup with a side of hot cooked rice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a complete meal. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans overnight or using the quick-soak method helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.

- Pureeing a portion of the soup and adding it back to the pot helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have smoked meat, you can use bacon or ham hocks for a similar smoky flavor.

- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Hearty Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Hearty Bean Soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color. Serve the soup in a rustic bowl with a side of hot cooked rice for a cozy and comforting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hearty Bean Soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing is also a great accompaniment to this hearty soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Hearty Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hearty Bean Soup contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hearty Bean Soup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the black beans and rice in the soup.

Fats

Each serving of Hearty Bean Soup contains approximately 12 grams of fat. The smoked meat used in the soup contributes to the fat content.

Proteins

Each serving of Hearty Bean Soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein. The black beans and smoked meat are both excellent sources of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hearty Bean Soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and vitamin C. The black beans provide iron and potassium, while the carrots and onions add vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains smoked meat, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this soup.

Summary

Hearty Bean Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Summary

Hearty Bean Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a satisfying meal option that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Serve with a side of hot cooked rice for a complete and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Hearty Bean Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished browsing through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a worn piece of paper tucked between the pages. Curious, I unfolded it to reveal a handwritten recipe for what was described as a comforting and nourishing soup.

The recipe had been scribbled in faded ink, and I could tell it had been well-loved and used many times over. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the rich flavors and hearty goodness that this soup promised. I knew I had to give it a try.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, some of which were familiar to me, while others were new and intriguing. The recipe called for a variety of beans – kidney beans, black beans, and white beans – as well as plenty of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes. It also called for a blend of herbs and spices that would surely create a delicious and aromatic broth.

As I chopped and diced the vegetables, the kitchen filled with a warm and inviting aroma. I could already tell that this soup was going to be something special. I followed the recipe carefully, simmering the beans and vegetables in a large pot on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a savory and satisfying broth.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes and cooking techniques I had learned over the years. My own grandmother had taught me so much about the art of cooking, passing down her own recipes and culinary wisdom. I remembered how she would always say that the secret ingredient in any dish was love – the love and care that went into preparing a meal for those you cared about.

As the soup finished cooking, I ladled out a steaming bowlful and took a tentative sip. The flavors were even better than I had imagined – rich and earthy, with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables. It was the perfect blend of hearty and comforting, just as the recipe had promised.

I knew then that this Hearty Bean Soup would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own touch and flavor to make it their own. I felt a sense of pride and connection to all those who had come before me, who had cooked this soup and shared it with their loved ones.

As I sat down to enjoy my bowl of soup, I couldn't help but smile. It was more than just a delicious meal – it was a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down to me, and a promise to continue sharing that love through my own cooking. And so, with each spoonful of Hearty Bean Soup, I felt connected to my past, my present, and all the generations to come.