Description
A comforting and hearty Great Northern Bean Soup with carrots, simmered to tender perfection with aromatic herbs and a touch of lemon for brightness. This wholesome soup is a nutritious, flavorful meal perfect for cozy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Broth
- 1 lb dried Great Northern beans (about 2 cups), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups water (or more, to reach desired consistency)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a burst of freshness)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Soak the dried Great Northern beans overnight in water, or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2-3 minutes and then letting them sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Carrots: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced carrots, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.
- Add Beans and Broth: Pour the soaked beans, low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, and water into the pot. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if the soup becomes too thick or if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Season and Finish: Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and optionally stir in lemon juice for a bright flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your nourishing Great Northern Bean Soup.
Notes
- Soaking the beans properly helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for more flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup to your preference by adding more water or broth during simmering.
- Lemon juice adds a subtle brightness; add just before serving to preserve freshness.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice color and fresh flavor.
