German Bean and Noodle Soup
This hearty and flavorful German Bean and Noodle Soup is perfect for a cozy lunch or a filling snack. With a combination of tender beans, vegetables, savory ham, and creamy sour cream, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make. Itโs a great way to use up leftover ham and offers a comforting, nutritious meal for your family.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 343.8
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried navy beans | 1 cup |
| Great northern beans | 2 cups |
| Potatoes (peeled and diced) | 1 |
| Carrot (peeled and sliced) | 2/3 cup |
| Onion (diced) | 2 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1 tsp |
| Cooked ham (cubed) | 6 oz |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 67 mg |
| Sodium | 619.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 41.3 g |
| Fiber | 8.5 g |
| Sugars | 2.9 g |
| Protein | 15.1 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beans:
Start by placing the dried navy beans in a medium saucepan. Cover them with water, ensuring that the water level is about 1 inch above the beans. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Let the beans cook until they are tender, which usually takes about 1 hour. Be sure to check the water level during cooking and add more if necessary to keep the beans covered. -
Drain and Reserve the Cooking Liquid:
Once the beans are tender, drain them and set them aside. Donโt discard the cooking liquid, as youโll need it for the soup. Add enough water to the liquid to make a total of 8 cups of broth. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Pour the reserved cooking liquid into a large soup kettle. Add the cooked beans, potatoes, carrots, diced onions, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. -
Cook the Soup:
Once the liquid reaches a boil, lower the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together. -
Add Noodles and Ham:
After the initial simmer, add your preferred noodles to the pot. You can use egg noodles or any pasta of your choice. Stir in the cubed ham as well. Allow the soup to simmer until the noodles are cooked through, which typically takes around 8โ10 minutes. -
Finish the Soup:
Once the noodles are tender, remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the sour cream for added creaminess and richness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if needed. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This German Bean and Noodle Soup pairs wonderfully with rustic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Beans: You can substitute the navy beans with other types of dried beans like pinto or kidney beans, depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Ham: If you donโt have leftover ham, you can use any other cooked meat, such as sausage or bacon, to add flavor to the soup.
- Noodles: Any short pasta works well in this soup, such as egg noodles, elbow macaroni, or ditalini.
- Creaminess: For a richer, creamier texture, you can add more sour cream or even a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
This soup is a wonderful way to enjoy simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a comforting dish everyone will love. Itโs filling, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor โ perfect for any meal of the day!
