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Cuban White Bean Soup Recipe

Imagine a steaming bowl of rich, smoky white bean soup, slow-simmered with savory smoked turkey and fragrant spices—warming you from the inside out.
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Course: Soup
Cuisine: Cuban
Keyword: Cuban White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8

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Ingredients: 

  • 1 lb dried white beans (Great Northern, navy, or cannellini), soaked overnight
  • 2 ½ quarts water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 oz smoked turkey 
  • 2 smoked turkey legs 
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 medium white onion, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beans:
    • Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine beans, water, bay leaves, smoked turkey, and smoked turkey legs.
    • Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Simmer:
    • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours.
    • Remove and discard the smoked turkey.
    • Shred the meat from the smoked turkey legs, discarding the bones and fat.
    • Return the shredded meat to the pot.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics:
    • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    • Sauté the onions and garlic until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Final Touches:
    • Stir the sautéed onions and garlic into the soup.
    • Add oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
    • Simmer on low heat for another 15 minutes.
    • Serve warm.
 
Variations & Additions:
  • Add heat with minced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
  • Include diced carrots for extra color and sweetness.
  • Stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach or chard near the end of cooking.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright finish.

 

Storage & Reheating:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Let soup cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Heat to at least 165°F before serving.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 337 kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 670mg | Potassium: 412mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 3mg |
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