This southern-style bean soup recipe contains all kinds of healthy, delicious ingredients, including chopped ham, tomatoes, and several varieties of dried beans, peas, and lentils. The warm and comforting blend of flavors will satisfy even the most finicky eaters. It's also an attractive soup, with many colors from the tomatoes, green chile peppers, and various beans. Feel free to add some other vegetables to the beans. It's a great way to get your family to eat their veggies. Peeled and diced carrots, diced rutabaga, and corn kernels are excellent choices. Sliced or diced celery and multicolored bell peppers are some other options you might consider. Additional vegetables add nutrients, texture, flavor, and color to the beans. Vegetable broth or chicken stock can add to the flavor as well, or add some ham base to the water. Serve this bean soup with crusty french bread, freshly baked biscuits, or cornbread wedges for a satisfying and memorable dinner.
