Northern Bean Soup
A hearty Northern Bean Soup with tender beans, savory vegetables, and a tomato-based broth, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians and bean lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and soak the Michigan pea beans overnight in cold water.
- Next day, drain the beans and cook in 1 1/2 quarts of water until tender.
- Drain the cooked beans.
- In a large pot, sauté minced onion, diced celery, crushed garlic, and minced carrots until fragrant and vegetables are softened.
- Add the drained beans, Classico sauce, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and white pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or diced ham during the sautéing step. If you don’t have Michigan pea beans, any small white bean will work as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cumin to your taste for a more robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Marge'S Delight for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Northern Bean Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Northern Bean Soup contains roughly 1777 calories, with 48g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Northern Bean Soup in a slow cooker. Simply soak the beans overnight, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker with enough water or broth to cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, you can add cooked shredded chicken or turkey to the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Alternatively, add some cooked quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian protein option.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can purée a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender and then stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).