French Market Soup

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + soaking Cook: 4-1/2 hours

Makes

12 servings (4-1/2 quarts)

Updated: Jun. 16, 2022
An old friend gave me this recipe and it is so heart-warming in the cold, winter months. I think it is even more flavorful the next day and it's best made the day before serving. Leftovers freeze well.—Terri Lowe, Lumberton, Texas
French Market Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 cups assorted dried beans for soup
  • 2 smoked ham hocks
  • 12 cups water
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 pound smoked kielbasa, chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

Directions

  1. Sort beans and rinse in cold water. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened.
  2. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid; return beans to the pan. Add the ham hocks, water, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3 hours or until beans are tender.
  3. Remove ham hocks; set aside until cool enough to handle. Add the tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, garlic and chili powder to the beans. Simmer 1 hour longer.
  4. Remove ham from bones and cut into cubes; discard bones. Return ham to soup. Stir in the kielbasa, chicken, wine and parsley. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until heated through and as thick as desired.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 291 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 840mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 18g fiber), 23g protein.