Amish Bean Soup

🍲 Amish Bean Soup 🍲

Amish Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that originates from the Amish communities in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Pennsylvania. This simple yet flavorful soup has a rich history and is made with basic ingredients that reflect the Amish tradition of frugality and resourcefulness.

📜 History:
The Amish, known for their strong sense of community and self-sufficiency, have a culinary tradition rooted in simplicity and using readily available ingredients. Amish Bean Soup likely emerged as a practical and nourishing meal that could be prepared with items commonly found on their farms. It embodies their values of simplicity, sustainability, and making the most of what they have.

🥣 Components:
To make a classic Amish Bean Soup, you will need the following components:

• Dried Navy Beans: The primary ingredient, these small white beans provide the base for the soup and add creaminess when cooked.
• Ham: Often diced ham or ham hocks are used to impart a smoky and savory flavor.
• Vegetables: Commonly, onions, celery, carrots, and sometimes potatoes are included for added flavor and nutrition.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth forms the liquid base of the soup.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes bay leaves and thyme are used to season the soup.

👨‍🍳 Preparation Steps:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Amish Bean Soup:

1. Bean Preparation:

   • Start by rinsing and sorting the dried navy beans. Remove any debris or damaged beans.
   • Soak the beans overnight in water to soften them. Alternatively, you can use a quick-soak method by bringing the beans to a boil, removing them from heat, and letting them sit for an hour.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, sauté chopped onions, celery, and carrots in a bit of oil until they become tender and aromatic.

3. Add Beans and Ham: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot along with diced ham or ham hocks. Stir to combine.

4. Pour in Broth: Pour in enough chicken or vegetable broth to cover the beans and ham. You can also add water as needed.

5. Season and Simmer: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs like bay leaves or thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beans are tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.

6. Serve: Once the soup is cooked to your liking and the flavors have melded together, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy!

⏲️ Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Amish Bean Soup can vary depending on factors like the type of beans and the cooking method used. On average, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, including soaking time for the beans. However, the soup can be left to simmer for a longer time to further develop the flavors if desired.

So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to savor this classic Amish Bean Soup—a wholesome, heartwarming dish rooted in tradition and made with love! 🥣❤️👨‍🍳

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Amish Bean Soup:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for a 1-cup serving):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Total Fat: 2-5 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 gram
• Cholesterol: 10-20 mg
• Sodium: 600-800 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 7-9 grams
  • Sugars: 3-5 grams
• Protein: 12-15 grams
• Vitamin A: 15-20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 4-8% DV
• Calcium: 4-6% DV
• Iron: 10-15% DV

Health Information:

1. High in Fiber: Amish Bean Soup is a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. It can help regulate bowel movements and support overall gut health.

2. Protein: The soup contains a moderate amount of protein, which is important for muscle maintenance and repair.

3. Low in Saturated Fat: It tends to be low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option.

4. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Amish Bean Soup typically contains various vegetables, providing vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

5. Low in Calories: It’s relatively low in calories, making it suitable for those looking to manage their weight.

6. Cholesterol: While it does contain some cholesterol from ham, it’s not excessively high. You can reduce cholesterol content by using lean ham or reducing the amount used.

7. Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the type of broth and ham used. Be mindful of your salt intake, especially if you have high blood pressure.

8. Balanced Meal: When served with whole-grain bread or a side salad, Amish Bean Soup can be part of a balanced and nutritious meal.

Remember that these values can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. To get precise nutritional information, it’s best to calculate it based on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use.