Bob Evans Bean Soup Recipe

Bob Evans Bean Soup is one of those comfort foods that have been passed down through generations, loved for its simplicity and heartiness. It’s the kind of meal that can warm you up from the inside, especially on a cold, dreary day. With its rich, savory broth and tender beans, this soup brings both nostalgia and satisfaction in every spoonful. Originally popularized by Bob Evans restaurants, known for their down-home, farm-fresh meals, this recipe embodies all the cozy, homestyle goodness you can imagine.

Whether you’re cooking for a large family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something satisfying, this soup is a winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly filling, and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, Bob Evans Bean Soup is the perfect choice.

Before diving into the step-by-step process of making this soup, let’s talk about the recipe itself. The core of Bob Evans Bean Soup is built on tender beans, flavorful broth, and a medley of vegetables that bring both texture and taste. What really sets it apart is the seasoning-simple yet effective, creating a rich base without overwhelming the ingredients. It’s a soup that proves you don’t need to use a hundred spices to make something amazing.

Ingredients Needed

Dry beans (such as navy beans, great northern beans, or pinto beans)
Ham bone or ham hock (for that smoky, savory flavor)
Carrots, diced
Celery, chopped
Onions, diced
Garlic, minced
Bay leaves
Thyme (fresh or dried)
Salt (adjust to taste)
Black pepper
Chicken broth or vegetable broth (for a lighter option)
Water (to adjust consistency)
Olive oil (for sautéing the vegetables)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the beans: Start by soaking the dry beans. For a quicker option, use the ’quick soak’ method: place the beans in a large pot, cover them with water, bring them to a boil for about 2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the onions turn translucent-about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Add garlic and seasonings: Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor.
Simmer the soup: Add the soaked beans to the pot, along with the ham bone or ham hock. Pour in the chicken broth and enough water to cover the beans and meat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Final touches: After the beans are tender, remove the ham bone or hock. If you used a hock, you can shred the meat and add it back into the soup. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup or mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon.
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a slice of cornbread.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Bob Evans Bean Soup plays a crucial role in bringing depth and complexity to the dish. Here’s a closer look at some of the key components:

Beans: The choice of beans gives the soup its creamy texture and rich base. Navy beans, great northern beans, or pinto beans all work well, but navy beans are often the go-to for a smoother consistency.
Ham Bone/Ham Hock: These provide a deep, smoky flavor to the soup that’s hard to replicate with any other ingredient. The long simmering time allows the meat to infuse the broth with savory goodness.
Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onions): These vegetables add natural sweetness and texture, balancing the savory flavor of the ham. The onions are key for creating a rich, aromatic base, while carrots and celery bring lightness and freshness.
Seasonings (Thyme, Bay Leaves): The herbs and spices in the recipe are simple but effective. Thyme adds earthiness, while bay leaves give a subtle depth of flavor that’s hard to pinpoint but unmistakable once you taste it.
Broth: Chicken broth is typically used in this recipe, as it adds a savory depth. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth can be substituted. Either way, the broth is the base that ties all the flavors together.

Expert Tips

Pre-soaking the beans: If you forget to soak your beans, don’t worry! You can speed up the process by using the ’quick soak’ method-bring the beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then let them sit off the heat for an hour. This reduces cooking time and helps the beans cook evenly.
Low and slow cooking: The key to the perfect bean soup is cooking it low and slow. Give the beans plenty of time to soften and absorb the flavors. Don’t rush the process!
Smoky flavor: If you’re missing the smoky ham hock, you can substitute it with smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke. This will mimic that smokiness without the need for actual meat.
Leftover ham: If you have leftover ham, this recipe is a great way to use it up. Just chop the ham into small pieces and add it to the pot with the beans, skipping the ham bone or hock.

Recipe Variations

As with any great recipe, Bob Evans Bean Soup is incredibly flexible. You can tailor it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham entirely and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to give the soup that signature smoky flavor.
Spicy Twist: For those who like a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side.
Meat Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to ham, try turkey bacon or turkey sausage. These will still bring some smokiness without the fat content of traditional ham.
Add Greens: For a more vibrant soup, consider adding some spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking. These greens will wilt into the soup, adding color and nutrients without overpowering the flavors.

Final Words

Bob Evans Bean Soup is a classic comfort food that’s not just filling but also versatile. Whether you’re sticking to the traditional recipe or experimenting with different variations, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. From the simplicity of the ingredients to the richness of the broth, this soup is all about making the most out of what you have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for leftovers or meal prep.

Bob Evans Bean Soup Recipe