Nine Bean Soup
📜 Collection: Unknown Five | ✍️ Attribution: Sharon Bean | 📂 Category: Soups A hearty, comforting classic Nine Bean Soup loaded with savory ham, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Perfect for cold weather, this vintage recipe is slow-simmered to rich, flavorful perfection.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 2 hours | 12 hours | 6–8 Servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Colander
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups | Nine Bean Soup Mix | sorted and washed |
| 2 quarts | Water | plus extra for soaking |
| 1 pound | Ham | diced |
| 1 large | Onion | chopped |
| 1 clove | Garlic | minced |
| 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon | Salt | None |
| 1 (16-ounce) can | Tomatoes | chopped, undrained |
| 1 (10 ounce) can | Tomatoes and Green Chiles | undrained |
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Beans
- Sort and wash the 2 cups Nine Bean Soup Mix. Place the beans in a Dutch oven and cover with water to 2 inches above the beans. Let them soak overnight until plump.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
- The next day, drain the beans. Return the beans to the Dutch oven and add 2 quarts water, the 1 pound diced ham, 1 large chopped onion, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt.
- Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender and yielding.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Finish
- Add the remaining ingredients: 1 (16-ounce) can chopped tomatoes and 1 (10 ounce) can tomatoes and green chiles.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is rich, fragrant, and slightly thickened.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: This soup tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Original Recipe Scan
