The Perfect Fall Dinner

I got a 15 bean variety mix like a year ago and it’s been sitting in the pantry ever since! With the new Pantry Challenge, we are steadily discovering new food from our pantry.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Sort and wash bean soup mix in a colander under cool running water.

2. Place mix in pan, cover with water and soak overnight.

3. The next day, drain the bean mix and then add 2 quarts of water or stock to the beans.

4. Add ham, ham hock, sausage, bacon, or soup bone.

5. Bring to a boil and then simmer slowly for 2.5-3 hours depending on altitude or water hardness.

6. After 2.5-3 hours, check the soup and add:

• 1 large onion (chopped)

• 1 can tomatoes (15 oz)

• Red pepper (optional)

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 clove minced garlic

• salt and pepper

7. Simmer an additional 30 minutes. Add contents of flavor packet a few minutes before cooking is completed.

The bag of beans I had somehow did NOT have a seasoning packet included. Weird. So we improvised and added our own spices.

I wasn’t sure how to prepare the meat. Like do I cook it before adding it to the soup? Or do I put it in there raw? I was so confused and the instructions did not say either way. I tried Googling it, no luck. So I called my brother. He’s a great cook and I knew he’d know.

He told me to brown the bacon but not cook it until it’s crispy. He also said that I could by a ham that is already cooked. Perfect! I went to the store to buy some ham.

I cubed part of the ham and added it to the beans and water.

Michael was awesome and helped with the bacon (definitely not my strength).

Simmer for several hours.

Periodically I checked on the soup, stirred it, poked at it. About half-way through the cooking I started to panic. The soup was an unappealing color–kind of like dirty dishwater. I was about to give up and tell Michael we had to order pizza. He said to wait and be patient. (Not my strong suit.)

About 30 minutes before serving, I added the rest of the ingredients: the spices, lemon juice, minced garlic and chopped onion.

I opened a bottle of wine.

I added the can of diced and seasoned tomatoes and the soup color was finally a “normal” appealing hue.

The soup was delicious! I surprised myself. I know I shouldn’t doubt the recipe until it’s finished and I’ve tasted it. I sliced a few pieces of fresh como bread to go with the soup.

The soup was good and I have enough leftovers for lunches this week. And it’s low in calories!

QUESTION: What is your favorite homemade soup recipe?