Hello and welcome! There’s nothing more comforting on a cold day than a steaming bowl of hearty soup. If you’re looking for a new recipe to warm you up this winter, look no further than this delicious Great Northern Beans soup.
This soup is packed with flavor, protein, and veggies to help keep you satisfied and nourished. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Great Northern Beans Recipe
The Versatility of Great Northern Beans
Great Northern beans are small, white, and oval-shaped beans that are commonly used in cooking. They are a popular ingredient due to their versatility, as they can be used in several dishes ranging from soups and stews to salads and dips. These beans are also packed with nutrients like protein and fiber, which makes them a great addition to any diet.
Ingredients for a Classic Great Northern Beans Dish
A classic Great Northern beans dish involves simple ingredients like bacon or ham, onions, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. These basic ingredients are enough to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. However, you can add more seasonings like paprika, cumin, chili powder, or herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to enhance the flavor further. You can also top the dish with cheese, sour cream, or green onions to give it a creamier texture and a pop of color.
Cooking Method for Great Northern Beans
The cooking method for Great Northern beans varies depending on the dish being prepared. One common practice is to soak the beans overnight, which helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. Once they have been soaked, you can cook them on the stove, in a slow cooker, or even in the oven. For stove-top cooking, all you need to do is bring the beans to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for an hour or two until they are soft. Slow cooking and oven cooking involves longer cooking times, but it allows the beans to simmer slowly and absorb flavors from other ingredients in the dish.
Great Northern Beans and Ham Soup Recipe
One of the most popular and delicious recipes for Great Northern beans is the ham and beans soup. Here is a recipe that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Great Northern beans, soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 pound ham, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken broth, water, beans, ham, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1-2 hours until the beans are soft and the ham is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
This soup is not only delicious, but it is also a comforting and filling meal that is perfect for a cold night. You can also make the dish healthier by using turkey ham or bacon instead of regular ham, or by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes.
In conclusion, Great Northern beans are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used to create several delicious dishes. From soups and stews to salads and dips, these beans have the potential to take your dish to the next level. By following this recipe and cooking tips, you can create a classic and satisfying dish that your family and friends will love.
Great Northern Beans and Ham Soup Recipe
When it comes to hearty and satisfying soups, it’s hard to beat a classic Great Northern Beans and Ham soup. This comfort food favorite is easy to make and perfect for a chilly day. Here’s our recipe for this delicious soup.
Ingredients for Great Northern Beans and Ham Soup
To make this soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of dried Great Northern beans, soaked overnight
- 1 pound of ham, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional ingredients that you can add for extra flavor include diced potatoes, chopped kale, or diced tomatoes.
Cooking Method for Great Northern Beans and Ham Soup
Once you’ve soaked the Great Northern beans, you can start cooking the soup. Here’s how:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the chopped ham and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped carrots and celery, and sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the soaked beans, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker to cook the soup. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Serving Suggestions for Great Northern Beans and Ham Soup
This soup is best served hot and pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread. For added creaminess, consider topping the soup with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Alternatively, you can add some diced potatoes or chopped kale for extra texture and flavor.
In conclusion, a warm bowl of Great Northern Beans and Ham soup is the perfect comfort food for a cold day. This recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor, so be sure to try it out soon.
So, what are you waiting for?
Thank you for taking the time to check out this amazing great northern beans recipe. We hope that you enjoyed reading it and that it has inspired you to get into the kitchen and start cooking something delicious. This recipe is perfect not just for a cold winter night, but for any time of the year- it’s that comforting and fulfilling!
Make sure to come back soon for more exciting and mouth-watering recipes. We’ll continue to bring you fresh ideas and culinary inspiration that will make any mealtime an extraordinary experience. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
FAQ
Q: Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use canned great northern beans instead of dried ones. Just remember to rinse and drain them before using in the recipe.
Q: Can I use other types of beans?
A: Yes, you can substitute great northern beans with any other type of white bean, such as navy beans, cannellini beans, or even black-eyed peas.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook the beans in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid used in the recipe accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add cooked and diced chicken, sausage, or bacon to this recipe for extra flavor and protein.
Q: What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
A: You can add any vegetables you like, such as kale, spinach, zucchini, corn, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
A: Yes, you can use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
Q: What can I serve with this recipe?
A: You can serve this dish with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A: Yes, you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the recipe if you like spicy food.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for a crowd or for meal prep purposes.
