Try this rich and full of flavor Navy bean soup recipe for lunch or dinner. It's a simple, cozy soup recipe that's filled with tasty vegetables and hearty meats.

Cuban White Bean Soup Recipe (Caldo Gallego)

  • Yield:

    6 to 8 servings

  • Total Time:

    4 hrs 20 mins

  • Prep Time:

    20 mins

  • Cook Time:

    4 hrs

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons chicken flavor bouillon powder
  • 4 cups hot water
  • 1 whole bay leaves
  • 2 ounces chopped salt pork OR bacon
  • 3 tablespoons Mazola® Corn Oil
  • 4 ounces sliced Spanish chorizo
  • 3/4 cup diced smoked ham
  • 1-1/2 cups diced onion
  • 1/4 cup diced carrot, optional
  • 1 tablespoon miced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon black medium grind pepper
  • 2 cups cubed Yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 cup cubed, peeled turnips
  • 3 cups cooked, drained white navy beans or great northern (see recipe note)
  • 3 cups chopped fresh tender collard greens OR kale

Instructions

  1. Step 1) Stir 2 teaspoons bouillon powder into hot water to make broth, add bay leaf and set aside.
  2. Step 2) Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add salt pork and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until browned. Discard rendered fat. Add oil to pot and stir in chorizo and ham; cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until meats become browned.
  3. Step 3) Add onion, carrots, garlic and spices; continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in potatoes, turnips, beans and prepared broth; bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4) Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through and tender. Remove bay leaf. Stir a handful of chopped greens into each bowl just prior to serving. (Greens can also be added to the soup with potatoes for a longer cook time, if desired.)
  5. Recipe Note: To cook dried beans, soak 2 cups (1 pound) navy beans overnight. Drain off soaking water and combine soaked beans, 6 cups of water, 2 teaspoons chicken flavor bouillon powder, a 4-ounce piece of meaty ham bone and 1 bay leaf in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
  6. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 1 hour or until beans are cooked through and tender.