This comforting Shaker-style bean soup is a rustic, home-style dish perfect for chilly evenings. White navy beans are simmered with ham hocks until tender, absorbing the rich, savory flavors of the broth. The addition of diced celery, shredded carrots, and onions adds texture and sweetness, while a final touch of fresh spinach provides a pop of color and nutrients. This hearty vegan-friendly option (if using vegetable broth instead of ham) or traditional meat-based soup is simple to make and deeply satisfying. It’s an ideal meal for family dinners or potlucks, offering warmth and nourishment in every bowl.
Shaker Bean Soup
Description
This comforting Shaker-style bean soup is a rustic, home-style dish perfect for chilly evenings. White navy beans are simmered with ham hocks until tender, absorbing the rich, savory flavors of the broth. The addition of diced celery, shredded carrots, and onions adds texture and sweetness, while a final touch of fresh spinach provides a pop of color and nutrients. This hearty vegan-friendly option (if using vegetable broth instead of ham) or traditional meat-based soup is simple to make and deeply satisfying. It&# 226;ÂÂs an ideal meal for family dinners or potlucks, offering warmth and nourishment in every bowl.Ingredients
Directions
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Sort and rinse the white navy beans thoroughly.
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Place the beans in a large soup kettle or Dutch oven.
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Cover the beans with water and bring to a boil.
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Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Let the beans stand for 1 hour.
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Drain the beans and discard the soaking liquid.
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In the same kettle, place the ham bone or hocks, 3 quarts of fresh water, and the drained beans.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat easily falls from the bone.
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Remove the bones from the broth and, when cool enough to handle, trim the meat from them.
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Discard the bones and return the meat to the pot.
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Add the onion, celery, carrots, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.
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Simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
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Add the tomatoes in puree and brown sugar.
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Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
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Just before serving, stir in the shredded spinach leaves.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 158.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.7g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 5.7mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 29.5g10%
- Dietary Fiber 11.9g48%
- Sugars 1.7g
- Protein 9.3g19%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a vegan version, substitute vegetable broth for the ham bone/hocks and omit the ham meat.
You can prepare this soup in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients except spinach and cooking on low for 8 hours.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Adjust salt to taste after adding the tomatoes, as the ham may already provide sufficient salinity.
