Which bean for my pork meat soup?

[Mosca]

I’ve decided to make a pork based soup for the Souper Bowl. The soup part is pretty straightforward, with the usual stuff: broth, onions, garlic, carrots, corn, green pepper, tomatoes, cumin, etc. I have a leek I’ll use up.

I have a bean choice. Normally I would make this with black beans, but I also have a bag of Rancho Gordo scarlet runners. And, I have some mass market (Goya) pintos and great northern, as well. The black beans are Wegman’s, but they’re organic. Usually that is meaningless, but with Wegman’s it means they’re fresher.

Black beans are very distinctive, and I know what that soup will taste like. On the other hand, I’ve never used scarlet runners, I don’t know what they taste like. Everyone says they’re really good, of course. But changing from black beans will substantially change this soup’s flavor.

I’m putting it to the group: which do you want to see? And, I’m not going to vote myself, unless there is a tie.

[Panhead John]

I’ve never tried scarlett runners either and would be very curious as to their taste. I chose pintos because those are my favorite beans. I could go with either of those 2 honestly.

[CHNeal]

What does a Texan know from beans?

[Panhead John]

I know enough to know they don’t go in chili! 😏

[CandySueQ]

I say go with what you know works! I vote Black Beans.

[Allon]

Compromise...

Make both!

[ecowper]

I tend to go for white beans when I'm doing some sort of pork based soup. Preference is Marcellas from Rancho Gordo, but can't go wrong with Great Northern for sure. Marcellas are a heritage variety of Cannellinis.

Final thought, Rancho Gordo beans are most likely going to be better than any other dried bean you might cook unless you are getting something direct from Italy/France/etc. Try the Scarlet Runners and see. Non-traditional, but great beans.

[Draznnl]

As I re-read your post, it seemed that you were leaning toward the Scarlet Runners. I say go for it.

[Mosca]

Either the runners or the black beans. I don’t really know, that’s why I’m not going to vote except to break a tie. Know, however, that I don’t take a lot of risks with things that involve time and work. The worst thing, to me, is wasting all that.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

when in doubt mix a few varieties.

[Oak Smoke]

Years ago I carried several cans of beans in my Halliburton truck. You never knew when you would get stuck on location for days. One of my very favorite was Campbells bean and bacon soup. Just open the can and eat it cold. Those were Great northern beans I thing.

[fzxdoc]

Campbell's bean with bacon soup. Brings back memories. It was the only thing I would eat in the month after my first heartbreak at the hands of a charming philanderer. Comfort food for the heartsick.

Kathryn

[Oak Smoke]

fzxdoc That’s a much healthier comfort than I used after my first real heartbreak and bank account drain. Mine was W L Weller. It didn’t help the tailspin I was in but I could sleep.

[Mosca]

Oh hell, you people had better not make me use great northerns.

[Oak Smoke]

Why?

[Mosca]

Idk. Boring. And Goya. But honestly they’d probably be pretty good.

[Mosca]

Okay, great northerns it is! Thanks everyone for participating! I’m starting the soup tomorrow, it will simmer during the football games.

[Donw]

You won’t be sorry.

[STEbbq]

Good choice. I had no idea how to vote..

[CHNeal]

I’m still trying to convince my self on split pea for tomorrow but I’m betting I’ll join you with the northerns