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–+ servings
Great Eleven Bean Soup
This hearty Great Eleven Bean Soup is a robust, comforting blend of legumes, aromatics, and smoky ham simmered to perfection. Popularized in community cookbooks and soup kitchens alike, the recipe makes use of dried bean blends, typically including kidney, navy, pinto, and more, soaked overnight and slow-cooked with savory vegetables and tangy flavorings. The addition of ham or a ham hock infuses the broth with depth and a hint of smokiness, while BBQ sauce and lemon juice add sweet and tangy contrast. It’s a filling, one-pot dish ideal for cold-weather meals or large gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Overnight Soak 8 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 205 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups dried bean soup mix
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • 1 piece ham ( and/or 1 ham hock)
  • 1 onion (large, chopped)
  • 1 clove garlic (small, minced)
  • 1 tbsp black pepper (or substitute 1 tbsp lemon pepper)
  • 1 lemon (juice of, or substitute 1 tbsp lemon pepper)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 stalks celery (chopped (or substitute 1 tsp celery salt & 1 tsp celery seed))
  • 16 oz tomatoes (1 can)
  • 1 tbsp BBQ sauce

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soak Beans

  • Wash beans thoroughly. Place in a large kettle and cover with water. Soak overnight, then drain in the morning.

Step 2: Initial Cooking

  • Add 6 cups water, salt, ginger, and ham or ham hock to the beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until beans are tender. Remove the ham hock if necessary.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

  • Add chopped onion, garlic, pepper, lemon juice, ketchup, sugar, chopped celery, canned tomatoes, and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Final Simmer

  • Bring soup back to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally and add water as needed to maintain consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  • Remove ham, chop into bite-sized pieces, and return to the soup. Serve hot with bread or crackers.

Tips

  • Use a mixed 11-bean dried blend for the most authentic texture and flavor.
  • Replace ham hock with smoked turkey leg for a lighter, lower-sodium version.
  • For a thicker soup, mash a cup of cooked beans and stir back in.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat and depth.
  • Substitute ketchup + BBQ sauce with tomato paste for a less sweet profile.
  • Add chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
  • For vegetarian: omit ham and add liquid smoke + extra salt.
  • Serve with cornbread for a traditional Southern pairing.
  • This soup freezes extremely well, portion into containers for meal prep.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 12gFat: 3.5gSaturated Fat: 1.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2.3mg
Keyword bean soup, comfort food, ham hock soup, hearty, one pot meal, retro recipe, rustic, vintage recipe
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