Great Northern Bean Soup

Great Northern Bean Soup Recipe - Delicious and Satisfying Meal

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Great Northern Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of great northern beans with the smoky richness of sausage, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Great Northern Bean Soup has its roots in traditional American cuisine, where beans have long been a staple ingredient in hearty soups and stews. The addition of smoked sausage adds depth and flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among many households.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 small onion, chopped, 2.5 oz (71 g)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp xanthan gum
15.5 oz (439 g) can great northern beans, undrained
4 cups chicken broth, homemade preferred
2 tsp chicken bouillon granules
salt and pepper, to taste
16 oz (454 g) smoked sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces [1]
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to prepare

In a large pot, sauté the celery, carrot, onion, and garlic in butter until they become very tender. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Lightly sprinkle the xanthan gum over the surface of the vegetables and stir well to incorporate.
Add all the ingredients except for the parsley.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then add the parsley.

Variations

Substitute the smoked sausage with ham or bacon for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients.
Use vegetable broth and omit the sausage for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the vegetables until they are very tender to ensure a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

- Sprinkling xanthan gum over the vegetables helps to thicken the soup without the need for flour or cornstarch.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more pepper or chicken bouillon granules as needed.

- Adding fresh parsley at the end of cooking brightens up the flavors of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Great Northern Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the liquid helps to develop the flavors of the soup.

- Simmering the soup for 30 minutes allows the ingredients to meld together and create a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of beans in place of great northern beans, such as cannellini or navy beans.

- Substitute olive oil for butter for a dairy-free option.

- Use gluten-free chicken bouillon granules if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Great Northern Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Great Northern Bean Soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Great Northern Bean Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Great Northern Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 24g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 7g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50%

- Vitamin C: 10%

- Calcium: 8%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter) and meat (sausage)

Summary

Great Northern Bean Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and nutritious option for a comforting dinner.

Summary

Great Northern Bean Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich and flavorful base of vegetables, beans, and smoked sausage, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the earthy flavors and hearty textures of this satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a cold winter day, and I had just come in from shoveling snow off the driveway. As I walked into the kitchen, I saw my dear friend Margaret standing over the stove, stirring a steaming pot of Great Northern Bean Soup.

Margaret was a wonderful cook, and I had always admired her skill in the kitchen. She had a way of taking simple ingredients and turning them into a delicious and comforting meal. As I watched her add the beans, vegetables, and herbs to the pot, I knew I had to learn how to make this soup for myself.

I asked Margaret for the recipe, and she smiled and handed me a handwritten card with the instructions. She told me that she had learned how to make the soup from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through the generations. I felt honored to be entrusted with this family secret, and I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the soup.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. I followed the recipe to the letter, chopping the vegetables, sautéing the onions and garlic, and simmering the beans until they were tender. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly, and I knew I was on the right track.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to my own grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking when I was a young girl. She had always encouraged me to experiment in the kitchen and to never be afraid to try new recipes. I could almost hear her voice in my ear as I stirred the pot, urging me to trust my instincts and follow my heart.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled myself a steaming bowlful and sat down at the table to taste my creation. The first spoonful brought a flood of memories rushing back - the warmth of my grandmother's kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread, the laughter of family gathered around the table. In that moment, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I made the Great Northern Bean Soup many times, each batch a little different from the last as I added my own personal touch. Sometimes I would throw in a handful of fresh herbs from my garden, or a splash of white wine for a little extra depth of flavor. No matter how I tweaked the recipe, though, the soup always turned out wonderfully - rich, hearty, and comforting.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious soup to the next generation. My own grandchildren would often come over on a chilly day, asking for a bowl of "Grandma's special soup." It warmed my heart to see them enjoying something that had brought me so much joy over the years.

As I grew older, my love for cooking never waned. I continued to experiment in the kitchen, trying new recipes and techniques, always seeking to expand my culinary horizons. But no matter how many new dishes I tried, the Great Northern Bean Soup remained a constant favorite, a reliable go-to for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, watching the snow fall outside my window, I can't help but reflect on all the memories that this simple soup has brought me. It is more than just a recipe - it is a connection to the past, a link to the generations of cooks who came before me. And as I take another spoonful of the rich, flavorful broth, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of good food, lovingly prepared and shared with those I hold dear.