The Hearty Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe

Crafting a comforting great northern bean soup with carrots takes you on a heartwarming culinary journey through rustic flavors.

Hearty beans mingle with sweet, vibrant carrots in this soul-satisfying dish.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance through each spoonful, creating instant warmth.

Nourishing ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that hugs you from the inside.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Nutritious and delicious, the soup delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

You’ll fall in love with every rich, inviting bite that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Why Great Northern Bean Soup With Carrots Is So Comforting

• Savor Nutritious Comfort: This hearty soup packs a powerful punch of protein and fiber from great northern beans, offering a wholesome meal that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds.
• Simplify Cooking Routine: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe eliminates kitchen stress and delivers a delicious one-pot wonder that's perfect for busy home cooks.
• Warm Family Gathering Dish: Ideal for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers, this soup brings everyone around the table with its rich, comforting flavors and inviting aroma that speaks of home-cooked love.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Using affordable ingredients like dried beans and common vegetables, this recipe proves you can create a satisfying, nutritious meal without breaking the bank.

What’s Needed For Great Northern Bean Soup With Carrots

• Great Northern Beans: Mild-flavored white beans that provide a creamy texture and protein base for the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Garlic: These vegetables add depth of flavor, natural sweetness, and aromatic complexity to the soup.

• Dried Thyme, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile, bringing warmth and balanced seasoning to the soup.

How To Make Great Northern Bean Soup With Carrots

Step 1: Soak and Prepare Beans

Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under cool running water. Transfer them to a large pot and cover with fresh water. Let the beans soak for about an hour to help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Step 2: Initial Bean Cooking

Place the pot on the stove and bring the beans to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the beans cook for approximately one hour, creating a soft and creamy texture.

Step 3: Build Flavor Profile

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Minced garlic
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the ingredients gently to distribute them evenly throughout the pot.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Continue cooking the soup on low heat for an additional 30 minutes. The beans will become tender and the vegetables will soften, creating a rich and comforting soup.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.

Pro Tips For Great Northern Bean Soup With Carrots

• Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring a smoother texture.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Check bean tenderness by gently pressing against the side of the pot; they should mash easily without resistance.
• For a protein boost, add diced ham or bacon during the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra depth.
• Make this soup gluten-free by verifying all ingredients are certified gluten-free and avoiding potential cross-contamination.

Try New Ways With Great Northern Bean Soup With Carrots

• Smoky Bacon Bean Soup: Crisp chopped bacon and add to the soup for a rich, savory flavor profile that enhances the bean's natural earthiness.
• Hearty Italian Bean Stew: Incorporate diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese to transform the soup into a rustic Mediterranean-style dish.
• Spicy Southwestern Bean Soup: Mix in diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Creamy Vegetable Bean Soup: Blend a portion of the soup to create a thicker texture, then stir in a splash of heavy cream for added richness and smoothness.

Pairings For Great Northern Bean Soup With Carrots

• Sip Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône that complements the earthy bean soup, enhancing its hearty flavors with subtle fruit notes.
• Create Crusty Bread Companion: Serve a warm, rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the rich broth, adding delightful texture and warmth to each spoonful.
• Match Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a fresh contrast.
• Elevate with Herbal Garnish: Top the soup with fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.

How To Store Great Northern Bean Soup With Carrots

• Store leftover bean soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and store for up to 3 months.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Great Northern Bean Soup With Carrots FAQ

• Are great northern beans healthy?

Great northern beans are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. They support heart health, help stabilize blood sugar, and promote digestive wellness.

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can substitute dried beans with canned great northern beans. Drain and rinse the canned beans, then add them to the pot, reducing overall cooking time to about 20-25 minutes.

• What herbs complement great northern bean soup?

Thyme works wonderfully, but you can also try rosemary, bay leaves, or oregano. These herbs enhance the soup’s earthy flavor and add depth to the overall taste.

• Is this soup good for weight management?

Absolutely! Great northern beans are low in fat, high in protein and fiber, which helps you feel full longer and supports healthy weight maintenance.

Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Northern bean soup delivers hearty comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Simmering with tender carrots and rich seasonings, this soup offers pure warmth and nourishment you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (453 grams) dried Great Northern beans
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse the dried great northern beans, discarding any imperfect specimens, then submerge in a spacious cooking vessel with cold water.
2. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce temperature to generate a gentle, steady simmer for approximately 60 minutes, allowing beans to soften and become creamy.
3. Introduce finely diced onions, precisely chopped carrots, aromatic minced garlic, fragrant dried thyme, and seasonings into the simmering bean mixture.
4. Maintain a low, consistent heat for an additional 25-35 minutes, periodically stirring and monitoring bean tenderness until vegetables are perfectly softened and beans reach a delectable, creamy consistency.
5. Taste the soup and meticulously adjust salt, pepper, and herb levels to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Ladle the steaming, hearty soup into warmed serving bowls, ensuring each portion captures a balanced blend of beans, vegetables, and aromatic broth.
7. Serve immediately while piping hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, making the soup easier on your stomach.
• Use low-sodium broth instead of water for a richer, more complex flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• For a protein boost, consider adding diced ham or bacon during the last 15 minutes of cooking, which brings a smoky depth to the dish.
• Transform this soup into a vegetarian or vegan version by using vegetable broth and skipping meat-based additions, keeping it hearty and nutritious.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg