Introducing a hearty and wholesome dish that’s perfect for any night of the week: White Bean Soup! This comforting recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, this savory soup is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
White Bean Soup
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 pot of soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound great northern beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 172
- Fat Content: 6.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 31.7mg
- Sodium Content: 919.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 15.1g
- Fiber Content: 4.8g
- Sugar Content: 1.6g
- Protein Content: 14.1g
Instructions:
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Begin by rinsing the great northern beans under cold water. Then, place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Allow the beans to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can use the quick soak method by bringing the beans to a boil, then removing them from heat and letting them soak for 1 hour.
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After soaking, drain and rinse the beans once more. Return them to the pot and cover them with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 1 hour, or until they are tender.
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Once the beans are tender, add the diced onion, chopped celery, diced cooked ham, and diced carrot to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Continue to cook the soup over low heat for an additional 1 hour, or until the flavors have melded together and the vegetables are tender. If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook the soup for longer. If you’d like more liquid, simply add some water to achieve your desired consistency.
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Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting White Bean Soup with your favorite crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cook’s Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the diced onion, celery, and carrot in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup.
- This soup can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add in additional herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly, simply omit the cooked ham or replace it with your favorite plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh.
With its simple preparation and satisfying flavors, this White Bean Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this comforting dish is the perfect way to warm up and nourish your body and soul.
