Amish Bean Soup

Amish Bean Soup Recipe - Healthy and Flavorful Meal

Region / culture: Amish | Preparation time: 2 hours and 5 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Amish Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that has been a staple in Amish kitchens for generations. This traditional recipe is known for its simplicity, nutritional value, and the warmth it brings to the table. Made with basic ingredients like navy beans, vegetables, and meat, it's a versatile soup that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal on a cold winter day or a nutritious dish to share with your family, Amish Bean Soup is sure to satisfy.

History

The origins of Amish Bean Soup can be traced back to the early Amish and Mennonite communities in the United States. These communities placed a strong emphasis on simplicity, frugality, and the use of locally available ingredients. As a result, Amish Bean Soup was born out of necessity and resourcefulness, utilizing simple ingredients that could be easily grown on their farms. Over the years, the recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own touch to the classic dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) navy beans
3 qt (2.84 liters) water
1 tsp salt
1 pinch baking soda
0.5 cup shredded carrot
1 cup chopped celery
2 medium onions, chopped
2 bay leaves
1.5 lb (680 g) ham meat
1 cup mashed boiled potato
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp dried thyme, optional
2 tbsp sauce
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Combine the beans, water, salt, and baking soda in a pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat, skim off any foam, cover it again, and let it stand for 2 hours.
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, except for the parsley, and simmer it covered for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Remove the ham bone from the pot.
Just before serving, add the parsley to the dish.

Variations

Consider adding different vegetables like spinach or kale for a nutritional boost. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Amish Bean Soup, consider the following tips:

- Soak the navy beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility.

- Use a ham bone or smoked meat for a deeper, smokier flavor.

- Add the vegetables towards the end of the cooking process to retain their color and nutrients.

- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less water, according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Amish Bean Soup hot, with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. A fresh green salad also pairs well, making for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking is ideal for Amish Bean Soup, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. A pressure cooker can also be used to reduce cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If navy beans are not available, great northern beans or cannellini beans make good substitutes. Sweet potatoes can be used in place of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Amish Bean Soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor and visual appeal. Serving the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl can also make for a rustic and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a malty beer pairs well with the hearty flavors of Amish Bean Soup. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simmer gently on the stove, adding a little water if the soup has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Amish Bean Soup contains about 300-400 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Amish Bean Soup is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from navy beans and vegetables. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, and the complex carbs in beans provide a steady source of fuel. A typical serving contains approximately 30-40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fat content in Amish Bean Soup largely depends on the type of meat used. Using lean cuts or removing visible fat can reduce the overall fat content. On average, a serving may contain about 10-15 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Amish Bean Soup is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the navy beans and meat. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, and this soup provides approximately 20-25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A from carrots, iron and magnesium from beans, and potassium from potatoes. These nutrients support various bodily functions, from vision to muscle and nerve function.

Alergens

The primary allergens to be aware of in Amish Bean Soup include potential allergens in the sauce (depending on the ingredients) and any specific meat used. It's generally free from common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten (unless served with bread).

Summary

Overall, Amish Bean Soup is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It's also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Summary

Amish Bean Soup is a timeless recipe that combines simplicity with nutrition and flavor. Whether you're following the traditional recipe or adding your own twist, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its rich history, nutritional benefits, and comforting taste, Amish Bean Soup is more than just a meal—it's a piece of culinary heritage.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Martha in the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania Dutch country. Aunt Martha lived in a quaint little farmhouse surrounded by rolling hills and lush green fields. She was a wonderful cook, and I always loved helping her in the kitchen.

One chilly autumn afternoon, as the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, Aunt Martha and I decided to make a big pot of Amish Bean Soup. She explained to me that this soup was a traditional recipe passed down through generations of her family, and she was excited to teach me how to make it.

We started by soaking a mix of dried beans in water overnight. The next day, we drained the beans and added them to a large pot with some diced onions, carrots, and celery. Aunt Martha then added a ham hock for flavor, along with a handful of herbs and spices – a pinch of thyme, a dash of pepper, and a sprinkle of salt.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering aroma, Aunt Martha shared with me the story of how she learned to make Amish Bean Soup. She told me that when she was a young girl, her own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully measuring out each ingredient and stirring the pot with love and care.

Her grandmother believed that cooking was a form of art, a way to express creativity and show love to those around her. She passed down this belief to Aunt Martha, who in turn passed it down to me. I could feel the warmth and tradition of her family's history in every spoonful of that delicious soup.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Aunt Martha shared with me the importance of preserving family recipes and passing them on to future generations. She told me that recipes were more than just a list of ingredients – they were a connection to our past, a way to honor our ancestors and keep their memories alive.

Since that day, Amish Bean Soup has been a staple in my own kitchen. I have made it countless times for my own family, and each time I do, I think back to that special day with Aunt Martha in the farmhouse kitchen.

The recipe for Amish Bean Soup has become a treasure to me, a reminder of the love and tradition that has been passed down through my family for generations. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and carry on the legacy of my ancestors, one delicious bowl of soup at a time.