Northern Bean Soup

Northern Bean Soup Recipe - Hearty and Nutritious Meal from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Northern Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The combination of beans, ham, and vegetables creates a flavorful and filling soup that is sure to please the whole family.

History

Northern Bean Soup has been a staple in American cuisine for centuries. Originally made with dried beans, ham, and vegetables, this soup was a popular dish among early settlers and pioneers. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, but the basic ingredients have remained the same. Today, Northern Bean Soup is enjoyed by people all over the world for its delicious taste and nutritional benefits.

Ingredients

8 cups water
1 lb (454 g) dried Great Northern or lima beans (2 cups)
0.5 can (15.5 oz (439 g)) tomato sauce
2 cups chopped ham
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 tbsp instant beef bouillon
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 cups mashed potatoes
2 medium carrots, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
2 medium celery stalks, cut into 0.5 inch pieces (1 cup)
non-fat milk (optional)

How to prepare

Heat water and beans in a large pot until boiling; boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover, and let it stand for 1 hour.
Add tomato sauce, ham, onion, bouillon, salt, pepper, and garlic to the beans.
Heat the mixture until boiling, then reduce the heat.
Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. (Do not boil, as the beans may burst.) Skim off any fat if necessary.
Stir in potatoes, carrots, and celery into the soup.
Heat the mixture until boiling, then reduce the heat.
Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in 1 to 2 cups of milk or water to achieve a thinner consistency.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use different types of beans, such as navy beans or black beans, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To save time, you can use canned beans instead of dried beans. Simply rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the soup.

- For a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon.

- To add extra flavor, try adding herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves.

- For a creamier texture, stir in some mashed potatoes or non-fat milk at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Northern Bean Soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. This soup pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

To save time, use a pressure cooker to cook the beans quickly.

- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding the vegetables.

- For a richer flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use bacon or smoked sausage instead of ham for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the beef bouillon.

- Use sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of regular potatoes for a twist on this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Northern Bean Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Northern Bean Soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. Serve the soup in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Northern Bean Soup pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, cornbread, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve this soup with a side of roasted vegetables or a protein-rich main course.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Northern Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Northern Bean Soup contains approximately 300 calories. This soup is a filling and satisfying meal that is relatively low in calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Northern Bean Soup contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Each serving of Northern Bean Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat. The fat in this soup comes primarily from the ham and is a good source of essential fatty acids.

Proteins

Each serving of Northern Bean Soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is important for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Northern Bean Soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system and overall well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains ham, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this soup.

Summary

Northern Bean Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal that is high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. This soup is a great option for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Summary

Northern Bean Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this soup is a nutritious and delicious option for lunch or dinner. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, Northern Bean Soup is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup on a chilly day for a satisfying and warming meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a cold, blustery day in the small northern village where I grew up, and my mother had spent hours simmering a pot of Northern Bean Soup on the stove. The aroma of the beans mingling with the rich, savory spices filled our cozy kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

As I sat down at the table with a steaming bowl of soup in front of me, I took a hesitant bite. The flavors exploded on my taste buds - the tender beans, the earthy herbs, the hint of smoky bacon. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I begged my mother to teach me the recipe, but she insisted it was a family secret passed down from generation to generation. Undeterred, I set out to learn the secret on my own.

I spent hours pouring over cookbooks and experimenting with different ingredients, trying to recreate the magic of my mother's Northern Bean Soup. Finally, after many failed attempts and countless pots of soup that ended up in the trash, I stumbled upon the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

The key, I discovered, was to soak the beans overnight before cooking them. This allowed them to absorb the flavors of the broth and become tender and creamy. I also added a generous amount of smoked bacon, which gave the soup a rich, smoky depth that was irresistible.

As I perfected my recipe, I shared it with friends and family, who raved about its deliciousness. Soon, I was known as the go-to person for Northern Bean Soup in our village, and I was proud to carry on the tradition of this beloved dish.

Over the years, I continued to tweak and refine my recipe, adding new ingredients and techniques to make it even more flavorful. I learned to source the freshest beans and herbs from local farmers and to slow-cook the soup for hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

I also discovered the joy of passing down my recipe to the next generation. I taught my daughters and granddaughters how to make Northern Bean Soup, watching with pride as they took their first tentative bites and experienced the same magic I had so many years ago.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened, and I continued to experiment with new recipes and techniques. But no matter how many dishes I mastered, Northern Bean Soup remained my favorite, a comforting reminder of my childhood and the love and warmth of my family.

Now, as I sit down at my own kitchen table with a bowl of steaming Northern Bean Soup in front of me, I can't help but smile. The recipe may have started as a family secret, but it has become so much more than that. It is a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the people we care about.

And as I take my first delicious bite, I am filled with gratitude for all the lessons and memories that this simple soup has brought into my life. It may be just a recipe, but to me, it is a treasure beyond measure.