Great Northern bean soup is a comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. Its versatility shines through in the numerous variations possible, from simple and quick recipes to those simmered for hours, developing deep, rich flavors. This guide explores diverse Great Northern bean soup recipes, answering common questions and providing tips for achieving the perfect bowl.
What are Great Northern Beans?
Before we delve into recipes, let's understand the star ingredient. Great Northern beans are a small, white bean with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They hold their shape well during cooking, making them ideal for soups, salads, and side dishes. Their versatility allows them to absorb the flavors of other ingredients beautifully, contributing a creamy texture to any dish.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Great Northern Beans from Dry?
This is a frequent question, and the answer depends on several factors: the age of the beans, the cooking method (pressure cooker vs. stovetop), and desired tenderness. Generally, expect to soak dried Great Northern beans for at least 6-8 hours (or overnight) before cooking. On the stovetop, this usually translates to 1-1.5 hours of simmering after soaking. Using a pressure cooker significantly reduces this time, often to around 30-45 minutes after a quick soak.
Best Great Northern Bean Soup Recipe (Stovetop Method)
This recipe offers a classic, flavorful base that you can easily customize.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried Great Northern beans, soaked overnight
- 8 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped ham or bacon (for added flavor)
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- In a large pot, combine the beans, water or broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. If using ham or bacon, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. You can use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a creamier texture (optional).
Quick Great Northern Bean Soup Recipe (Using Canned Beans)
For a faster weeknight meal, opt for canned beans.
Ingredients:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, or your favorite mix)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion and vegetables in a large pot until softened.
- Add the broth, beans, and oregano.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Great Northern Bean Soup Thicker?
Several techniques can achieve a thicker consistency:
- Puree a portion: Use an immersion blender to partially puree a portion of the soup.
- Add thickening agents: A cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) or a roux (a mixture of butter and flour cooked together) can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use more beans: Simply increase the quantity of beans in your recipe.
What to Serve with Great Northern Bean Soup?
Great Northern bean soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, cornbread, or biscuits for dipping. A side salad adds freshness and complements the hearty soup.
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for your Great Northern bean soup adventures. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your signature recipe! Remember, the best soup is the one you enjoy most.
