Southern Lady’s White Bean Soup

Posted on November 15, 2011 by The Southern Lady

This is a little different take on white bean soup. We like it this way because it is almost like a gumbo and Southerners love gumbo! You can make it hot or as spicy as you like.

• 1/2 or 1 pound Great Northern dried beans (I used a half pound in this recipe. If you use a pound of beans, double the ingredients)
• 4 or 5 cups water
• Ham hock, bacon pieces, or bacon grease for seasoning
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups chopped okra
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 (4 ounce) can green chilis, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Soak beans according to package directions, add to pot and cover with water. Add ham or seasoning meat and onion, celery, okra, garlic, chili powder, black pepper and bay leaves to pot. Cook until beans are tender (about an hour on simmer) adding more water if needed. Once beans are tender, add chicken broth, tomatoes, and green chilis. Cook another 15 or 20 minutes. Add salt to taste. (Never add salt to beans while cooking. It makes the beans tough). Makes 8 to 10 servings. Enjoy!

Note: You could make this in the crockpot or slow cooker, too. I would just add all ingredients to crockpot and cook on low for 7 or 8 hours.

This recipe is great served with my Cornbread Muffins.