Great Northern Bean Soup
Great Northern beans are mild, creamy beans that have been a staple in many kitchens for generations. Known for their delicate flavor and firm texture, they are perfect for creating hearty, comforting soups that warm the soul.
Great Northern Bean Soup is a classic, satisfying dish that uses these beans to their fullest potential. This simple yet flavorful soup combines tender beans with vegetables, herbs, and a savory broth, creating a rich and nourishing meal.
Whether you’re seeking a nutritious vegetarian option or a heartwarming dish for a chilly evening, Great Northern Bean Soup is an excellent choice. With its protein-packed beans, a medley of vegetables, and a perfect balance of herbs and spices, this soup is both wholesome and delicious. It’s easy to make, customizable to suit your taste, and the best part—it’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
2 cups dried Great Northern beans, rinsed and soaked overnight (or 4 cups cooked, canned beans)
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth of flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional for added greens)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
How to Make:
Prepare the Beans: If you are using dried Great Northern beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. If you don’t have time to soak them, use the quick-soak method: bring the beans to a boil in a pot of water, then remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for 1 hour. After soaking, drain and set the beans aside. If you are using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them under cold water to remove excess sodium.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Add Herbs and Tomatoes: Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. These herbs will infuse the soup with a rich, earthy aroma. Add the diced tomatoes along with their juices and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and combine with the other vegetables.
Add the Beans and Broth: Add the soaked (or canned) Great Northern beans to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour if using dried beans, or 20-25 minutes if using canned beans. The beans should become tender, and the flavors will meld together.
Finish the Soup: After the soup has simmered, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) to suit your preferences. If you like a bit of brightness, stir in the fresh lemon juice, which will help balance the flavors. If you want to add more greens, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the greens are tender.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or enjoy it on its own as a filling meal. The soup is also great when served over rice or with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. It’s a satisfying meal that can easily feed a crowd or be saved for leftovers.
Chef’s Note:
Soaking the Beans: Soaking dried beans before cooking not only shortens the cooking time but also helps remove some of the indigestible sugars that can cause bloating. If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans, but be sure to rinse them well to reduce sodium content.
Blending for Creaminess: For a smoother, creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or transfer a few cups of the soup to a regular blender. Blending the soup gives it a velvety consistency while still maintaining some texture from the beans and vegetables.
Customizing the Recipe: This soup is highly adaptable. You can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a mild kick to the soup, or you can add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Storage: Great Northern Bean Soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and the flavors continue to develop. If you plan to freeze it, allow the soup to cool completely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of water or broth to loosen it up, as the soup can thicken as it sits.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 11 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Saturated Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 33 grams
Fiber: 9 grams
Sugar: 5 grams
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 530 mg
Potassium: 600 mg
Vitamin A: 45% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 20% of the DV
Calcium: 8% of the DV
Iron: 18% of the DV
Note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used (such as the type of broth or additional vegetables). To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium broth and canned beans.
Conclusion:
Great Northern Bean Soup is a wonderfully simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of creamy beans, vegetables, and herbs creates a wholesome and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests at a dinner party, this soup offers the ideal balance of flavor, nutrition, and comfort. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a great way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your diet. Plus, with its ability to be made ahead and stored, it’s the kind of dish that only gets better with time. Enjoy this classic soup with a piece of bread, and you’ve got a complete, hearty meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious.