great northern bean soup recipe

great northern bean soup recipe

The Best great northern bean soup recipe

I’ve been making great northern bean soup for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day or a special occasion. I love that it’s made with dried beans, which are so much cheaper than buying canned beans and have a better texture. The key to this recipe is using the right type of beans – great northern beans are specifically designed to hold their shape when cooked, which makes them ideal for soups and stews.

When I’m cooking this soup, I like to use a big pot on the stovetop, so the flavors can meld together and the beans can absorb all the delicious liquid. My kids love helping me make this soup because they get to help with the mashing of the potatoes and the stirring of the pot. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables we have lying around – just chop them up and add them to the pot for added flavor and nutrition. This soup is also super healthy, thanks to all the fiber from the beans and veggies.

Plus, it makes a ton of leftovers, which is perfect for busy families like mine who need a quick and easy meal option. I’ve experimented with different seasonings over the years, but my favorite way to make this soup is with a simple broth made from chicken or beef stock and some aromatics like onion, garlic, and carrots. From there, I add in some diced tomatoes for a burst of acidity and flavor. Then I let everything simmer until it’s nice and thick – you can adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth if you prefer it thinner.

My family loves this soup so much that we often serve it at family gatherings and potlucks – everyone always asks for seconds! And as an added bonus, this soup freezes beautifully, so I can make a big batch on Sunday night and enjoy it all week long. One thing I’ve learned over time is that using dried beans is key – they have such a better texture than canned beans that it makes all the difference in the world. And don’t even get me started on how much cheaper they are!

We’re talking about pennies per serving instead of dollars – it adds up quickly when you’re feeding a whole family. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try out on your family or at your next dinner party, give this great northern bean soup recipe a shot! It’s sure to become a favorite in no time. I love making this soup because it’s such an easy way to get everyone fed up quickly – just throw everything into one pot and let it simmer away while you do other things.

And because we often eat leftovers throughout the week, I know exactly how much food we’ll have available without having to worry about measuring out ingredients every night. This soup is also incredibly versatile – you can serve it with crusty bread or over rice for an added touch of comfort food flair.

Great Northern Bean Soup

Great Northern Bean Soup

4.5 from 1715 votes

This hearty Great Northern Bean Soup is packed with vegetables and beans, making it a comforting and nutritious meal. It is perfect for a cozy dinner, and it is ready in under an hour.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Soup

1 lb great northern beans
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the great northern beans and pick out any debris.
2Place them in a large pot and cover with water.
3Bring to a boil over high heat.
4Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5Drain and set aside.
6In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
7Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
10Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano.
11Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
12Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Add the cooked great northern beans to the pot and stir well to combine.
14Season with salt and pepper to taste.
15Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded.
16If the soup is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
17Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
18Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use canned great northern beans if you are short on time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the soup.

Watch Video Of How Great Northern Bean Soup Works

Great Northern Bean Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great option for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

The soup can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleaser. I always recommend making a big batch and storing it in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

It reheats well and can be served with a side of crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Great Northern Bean Soup

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

While you technically can use canned beans in place of dried ones, they’ll have a very different texture that might not be what you’re looking for in this recipe.

Q: What kind of broth should I use?

The type of broth you choose will really depend on your personal taste preferences – some people like chicken stock while others prefer beef or vegetable stock.

Q: How long does it take to cook?

This recipe is pretty straightforward once you get started – just remember that soaking your dried beans overnight will save you loads of time when it comes time to cook.

Q: Can I make this in advance?

This soup actually gets better with time – if you make it ahead of time, just refrigerate or freeze until later when you’re ready to reheat!

Q: Is there anything else I can add in?

I love experimenting with new ingredients when making soups like this one – feel free to add whatever veggies or spices strike your fancy!

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