We’ve always loved the comforting warmth of a hearty soup, and our Randall Beans soup recipes bring that to your table with ease. These versatile dishes highlight the premium quality of Randall Beans, known for their tender texture and rich flavor, making them a staple in American kitchens since the 1960s.
Ingredients
As we dive into our Randall Beans soup recipes, we’re focusing on the fresh, premium beans that have been a kitchen staple since the 1960s. These tender, flavorful beans form the heart of our hearty soups, ensuring every bite is packed with rich texture and taste. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re typically used, with prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
Key Ingredients for a Classic Randall Beans Ham Soup
We’ll use a standard serving for 6 people, making this soup simple yet satisfying. Here’s our curated list:
- Randall Beans: 2 cans (15 ounces each) of Randall Beans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed to remove excess liquid and enhance their natural creaminess – we start with these as the base for a robust flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped – add this next for sautéing to build a sweet, aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – follow the onion to infuse a pungent, savory depth that complements the beans’ earthiness.
- Carrots: 2 large carrots, diced into ½-inch pieces – incorporate after aromatics for a slight crunch and natural sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks, sliced thinly – use alongside carrots for added texture and a fresh, herbal note.
- Ham: 1 pound of cooked ham, cubed – stir in after vegetables to lend a smoky, salty richness that pairs perfectly with Randall Beans.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium – pour this in as the liquid base to keep the soup light yet flavorful.
- Herbs and Spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 bay leaf – season at this stage for balanced, warming flavors that elevate the beans’ premium quality.
- Optional Add-ins: 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped – add toward the end if you want a nutrient boost with vibrant green color and a tender bite.
For nutritional highlights, we compiled the key data per serving (based on the above for 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 13% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fiber | 8g | 29% |
| Sodium | 600mg | 26% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. These values can vary slightly depending on specific brands, so we recommend checking labels on your Randall Beans for precision.
Instructions
We love turning simple ingredients like Randall Beans into a hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any meal. Let’s walk through the steps to prepare and cook our classic Randall Beans Ham Soup, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, we’ll get our ingredients prepped for efficiency and flavor. Begin by rinsing 2 cans (15 ounces each) of Randall Beans Great Northern Beans under cold water to remove any excess liquid and enhance their natural creaminess.
Next, chop the vegetables: dice 1 medium onion into fine pieces for a sweet base, mince 2 cloves of garlic for an aromatic punch, slice 2 medium carrots into 1/4-inch rounds for added crunch, and cut 2 stalks of celery into 1/2-inch pieces for fresh texture.
Cube 2 cups of cooked ham into bite-sized pieces to distribute the smoky flavor evenly throughout the soup. Measure out 4 cups of chicken broth and gather your herbs—1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper—to infuse depth. If you’re adding optional extras like 1 cup of fresh spinach, wash and roughly tear it for quick wilting later. This preparation sets the stage for a soup that’s both nutritious and full of vibrant flavors.
Cook the Soup
Now that our ingredients are ready, we’ll build the soup step by step in one pot for easy cleanup.
First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release a fragrant, savory aroma that fills the kitchen.
Add the cubed ham to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes to lightly brown it and enhance its smoky essence. Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, the rinsed Randall Beans, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans absorb the flavors and the soup thickens to a comforting, hearty consistency.
If using, stir in the fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking until it wilts and adds a bright, earthy note. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat for a soup that’s warmly inviting with every spoonful of tender beans and vegetables.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Randall Beans Ham Soup to life with ease and efficiency, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that streamline the preparation and cooking process. Drawing from the previous steps of rinsing beans, chopping vegetables, and simmering the soup, these items ensure a smooth workflow while enhancing safety and precision in our kitchen.
Essential Tools List
We categorize the tools by their role in the recipe for better organization:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Our go-to for simmering the soup; it holds at least 6 quarts to accommodate all ingredients for six servings, promoting even heat distribution and easy stirring to achieve that perfect tender texture with Randall Beans.
- Chef’s Knife: Ideal for chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and celery; its sharp blade allows us to make quick, precise cuts, minimizing prep time and ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip surface—preferably wood or plastic—for safely preparing vegetables and ham; we recommend one that’s at least 12×18 inches to handle multiple ingredients without mess.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring chicken broth, herbs, and spices; these ensure our soup’s flavors are balanced, with sets including 1-cup, ½-cup, and various spoon sizes for foolproof portioning.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and stirring the soup; its heat-resistant material prevents scratching our pot while allowing us to monitor thickening without damaging delicate Randall Beans.
- Colander: Essential for rinsing the Randall Beans Great Northern Beans under cold water; this tool drains excess liquid efficiently, preserving the beans’ rich flavor and tender quality.
- Can Opener: If using canned Randall Beans, this tool opens the can smoothly; we suggest a safety model to avoid sharp edges and keep our prep area clean.
By having these tools ready, we make the cooking process not only straightforward but also enjoyable, allowing us to focus on the hearty, flavorful results of our Randall Beans soup recipes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As we dive deeper into creating our flavorful Randall Beans Ham Soup, let’s explore how to prepare it in advance for effortless meals. This approach allows us to maximize the tender texture and rich flavor of Randall Beans while saving time on busy days.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting by preparing the key components of the soup a day or two in advance. This ensures that the Randall Beans retain their premium quality and hearty appeal.
- Rinse and drain the beans: Begin by opening the can of Randall Beans Great Northern Beans and rinsing them under cold water in a colander. Pat them dry and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This step prevents excess moisture that could dilute flavors.
- Chop vegetables: Dice the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces using a chef’s knife and cutting board. Place them in a sealed bag or container in the fridge. For optimal freshness, sprinkle with a pinch of salt to draw out excess water and enhance their natural sweetness.
- Prepare the ham and herbs: Cube the cooked ham and mix it with dried herbs like thyme and bay leaves in a separate container. This allows the flavors to meld slightly, making our soup even more aromatic when we assemble it later.
Assembling and Storing the Soup
Once ingredients are prepped, we can partially assemble the soup base to simplify cooking day.
Follow these steps for efficient make-ahead assembly:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped vegetables in oil over medium heat until softened—this takes about 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool completely.
- Combine the cooled vegetable mixture with the rinsed Randall Beans, cubed ham, chicken broth, and spices in a large bowl or directly in a storage container.
- Transfer the assembled mixture to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. For refrigeration, store in the fridge for up to 3 days; for longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
To help you track storage options effectively, here’s a quick reference table:
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Keep below 40°F; stir before reheating to maintain even texture. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe containers; thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the beans’ tender consistency. |
Reheating for Optimal Flavor
When it’s time to enjoy our Randall Beans Ham Soup, reheating is straightforward and helps lock in that comforting, hearty warmth.
- From the fridge: Pour the mixture into a pot and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed to reach the desired consistency, and incorporate fresh spinach at the end for a vibrant, nutritious boost.
- From the freezer: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the same simmering process. This ensures the flavors remain rich and the beans stay delightfully tender without becoming mushy.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we make preparing our Randall Beans recipes even more convenient and delicious.
Conclusion
We’ve loved diving into Randall Beans soup recipes and their endless appeal. They’re not just easy to whip up but also deliver hearty nutrition and flavor we can count on. Let’s make these soups a staple in our kitchens for cozy meals ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Randall Beans and why are they popular?
Randall Beans are premium, ready-to-use beans that have been a staple in American kitchens since the 1960s. They’re loved for their tender texture and rich flavor, making them perfect for hearty soups. These beans save time while delivering high-quality taste and nutrition, ideal for busy cooks seeking convenient, delicious meals.
What ingredients are needed for Randall Beans Ham Soup?
The key ingredients for this classic soup serving six include Randall Beans Great Northern Beans, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, cooked ham, chicken broth, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Optional add-ins like fresh spinach boost nutrition. It’s a simple mix that creates a flavorful, hearty dish.
How do I make Randall Beans Ham Soup?
Start by rinsing the beans and chopping vegetables. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a pot, add ham and beans, then pour in chicken broth with herbs. Simmer until thickened, about 20-30 minutes, and stir in spinach if desired. This one-pot recipe yields a comforting soup in under an hour.
What are the nutritional benefits of Randall Beans Ham Soup?
Per serving, this soup offers about 250 calories, 15g of protein, 8g of fiber, and moderate sodium. It’s nutritious thanks to the beans’ high fiber and protein content, plus veggies for vitamins. Enjoy it as a healthy, satisfying meal that supports balanced eating.
What kitchen tools are essential for preparing the soup?
You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for simmering, a chef’s knife and cutting board for chopping, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a colander for rinsing beans. A can opener helps if using canned beans. These tools make prep safe and efficient.
Can I make Randall Beans Ham Soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients like rinsing beans, chopping veggies, and cubing ham a day or two in advance. Assemble the soup base and store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat on the stove over low heat to keep beans tender and flavors fresh.