Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots

Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. This simple yet satisfying soup features creamy beans, tender carrots, and aromatic thyme, all simmered together for a flavorful bowl of goodness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredients and easy preparation, making it an ideal option for busy days when you want a nutritious, home-cooked meal. Packed with protein and fiber from the beans, this soup is both filling and nourishing. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as a side to a larger meal, Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is sure to become a family favorite.

This classic bean soup is not only delicious but also very customizable. You can add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients, or even a splash of vinegar for a touch of tang. The simplicity of the soup allows for plenty of creativity with seasonings and additional ingredients to suit your taste. With a cook time of just under two hours, it’s a great recipe to make in advance, as it also stores and reheats well. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for the perfect meal to warm up on a cold day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is a perfect combination of simplicity and heartiness. The creamy texture of the beans blends wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrots and the earthy aroma of thyme. This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying and wholesome meal without too much fuss. It’s both vegetarian and gluten-free, making it accessible to many dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep, as the flavors deepen after sitting in the fridge for a day or two. It’s an affordable and healthy dish that will fill you up and keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• Dried Great Northern beans
• Water
• Onion
• Carrots
• Garlic
• Dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Variations

Add Greens

For an extra boost of nutrients, you can add some leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Simply stir them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking until they’re wilted and tender.

Use Different Beans

If you don’t have Great Northern beans, feel free to swap them for other white beans like cannellini or navy beans. They’ll work just as well in this soup.

Spice It Up

For a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables. This will give the soup a subtle spicy kick.

Add a Smoky Flavor

If you prefer a smoky flavor, try adding a small amount of smoked paprika or even a few slices of smoked sausage. This adds depth and complexity to the soup.

Make It Creamy

For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup after cooking to create a velvety base, while leaving some beans and vegetables intact for texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Rinse the dried Great Northern beans thoroughly. Place the rinsed beans into a large pot, then add 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the beans cook for about 1 hour, or until they begin to soften.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasoning

Add the diced onion, peeled and chopped carrots, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot with the beans. Stir to combine, then continue to simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the carrots are cooked through.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Once the beans are fully cooked and tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Soak the Beans: If you want to reduce the cooking time, consider soaking the beans overnight. This can help soften them and cut down on simmering time, although it’s not necessary for this recipe.
2. Flavor Boosters: Adding a bay leaf or a Parmesan rind while cooking can deepen the flavor of the soup. Just be sure to remove them before serving.
3. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot. This will help create a creamier texture.
4. Make It Vegan: This recipe is already vegan, but if you want to make it even more flavorful, you can use vegetable broth instead of water for added richness.
5. Storage: This soup makes great leftovers! It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots can be served as a main dish or as a side. Pair it with a side of freshly baked bread, a simple salad, or even a few slices of cheese for a complete meal. It’s also delicious when topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for added freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the soup in a pot over medium heat and heat until hot. You can also microwave individual portions if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned Great Northern beans if you prefer. Use about 3 cans (15 oz each) of drained and rinsed beans. Reduce the cooking time to just simmering the vegetables and seasoning until tender.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge for several days and the flavors will continue to develop. It can also be frozen for future meals.

4. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a light salad, or a sandwich for a complete meal.

5. How can I thicken the soup?

To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup.

6. Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, if you’d like to add some meat, smoked sausage or ham would be great options. Simply add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

7. How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

8. Can I use frozen carrots?

Yes, you can use frozen carrots instead of fresh carrots. Just be sure to add them in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking them.

9. Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used instead of water for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly since broth may be saltier.

10. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like celery, spinach, or potatoes for variety. Add them at the same time as the carrots for optimal cooking time.

Conclusion

Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is the epitome of comfort food. With its simple ingredients, hearty texture, and satisfying flavor, this soup is perfect for a chilly day or when you’re craving something warm and nourishing. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to your tastes and dietary needs, and it’s easy to make in advance, making it a great option for busy weeks. Whether served as a meal or a side dish, this soup will fill you up and leave you feeling cozy and content.

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