Soup Beans
+4 photos

Soup Beans

8 servings
Appalachian soup beans are super tender and earthy from the garlic, herbs, bacon, and ham bone. These beans are made more robust by using two types of pork and adding vegetables like bell pepper and celery. Chow-chow brightens up this dish with vinegar and crunch.

Ingredients

  • fds
    1 lb.
  • thick-cut

    applewood-smoked bacon slices, chopped

    6
  • yellow onion

    chopped, 1 3/4 cups

    1 medium
  • red bell pepper

    chopped, 1 1/4 cups

    1 large
  • medium-size celery stalks

    chopped, about 2/3 cup

    2
  • minced garlic

    from 3 garlic cloves

    2 tbsp.
  • chicken stock
    8 c
  • ham bone
    1
  • dried bay leaf
    1
  • crushed red pepper
    ½ tsp.
  • chopped fresh thyme
    1 tbsp.
  • chow-chow
    ¼ c
  • thinly sliced scallions
  • cornbread

Directions

  1. 1

    Soak beans: Place beans in a large bowl; add water to cover beans by 2 inches. Soak beans 8 hours or up to 12 hours. Drain beans, and set aside.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Cook bacon: Heat a Dutch oven over medium. Add bacon; cook, stirring occasionally, until rendered and crispy, 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside. Do not wipe Dutch oven clean.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Cook vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to drippings in Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Add beans, stock, ham, and seasonings: Add soaked pinto beans, stock, ham bone, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper. Bring to boil over medium-high; cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beans are very tender but still retain their shape, about 2 hours. Uncover and cook until liquid thickens slightly, about 30 minutes.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, and stir in thyme. Divide soup evenly among bowls, and top each serving evenly with chow-chow, scallions, and reserved bacon. Serve with cornbread.

Soup Beans
+4

Soup Beans

680 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Searching for a comforting, deeply flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug from the Appalachian mountains? These Soup Beans deliver on all fronts, offering a tender, earthy dish steeped in tradition and rich with savory goodness.

What makes these soup beans truly exceptional is their robust depth of flavor, achieved through the thoughtful combination of two distinct pork elements: rich applewood-smoked bacon and a savory ham bone. This layering of smoky, meaty notes, combined with aromatic garlic, fresh thyme, and classic mirepoix vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and celery, creates an incredibly satisfying base. The inclusion of bright, tangy chow-chow as a garnish provides a delightful counterpoint, elevating the entire experience.

When you sit down to a bowl of these soup beans, expect a truly hearty and soul-satisfying experience. The dried beans become wonderfully tender, almost melting in your mouth, infused with the savory essence of pork and a subtle earthiness from the herbs and vegetables. Each spoonful offers a blend of comforting warmth and complex flavors, rounded out by a gentle kick from crushed red pepper. The chow-chow adds a crucial pop of vinegary brightness and a bit of crunch, cutting through the richness beautifully. This isn't just a side; it's a complete, deeply satisfying meal perfect for a chilly evening.

Elevating Your Soup Beans

While this recipe is perfect as written, you can subtly tailor it to your preference. The chow-chow is a vibrant, tangy relish that adds a crucial layer of flavor and crunch; feel free to adjust the amount to your liking, or experiment with a homemade version for an extra personal touch. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the crushed red pepper, or increase it for more heat. The type of dried beans you choose will also influence the final texture and flavor, so explore different varieties to find your favorite.

Serve these comforting soup beans hot, garnished with thinly sliced scallions for a fresh, oniony bite. They are perfectly complemented by a warm piece of cornbread, ideal for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. This dish is excellent for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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