Old Fashioned White Bean Soup is the perfect dish for chilly days or when you’re craving something wholesome and nourishing. With just a few pantry staples and some basic vegetables, you can create a delicious, filling soup that’s incredibly easy to prepare.
1. Old Fashioned White Bean Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried white beans (Navy, Great Northern, or Cannellini beans work well)
- 8 cups water or low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 ham hock, 1 smoked turkey leg, or 4 slices of bacon
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beans
Start by sorting through the dried beans to remove any debris or damaged beans.
Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water. For quicker cooking, soak the beans overnight by placing them in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Alternatively, use the quick soak method by boiling the beans in water for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for an hour before draining.
Step 2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3. Add the Beans and Broth
Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the water or broth, ensuring the beans are fully covered. Add the bay leaves and thyme for extra flavor.
Step 4. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more water or broth if necessary to keep the beans submerged.
Step 5. Season and Serve
Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaves and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for dipping.
2. Variations
Add Meat: You can add a ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or bacon at the start of the simmering process. The meat will add a smoky, savory depth to the broth. If using bacon, sauté it with the vegetables before adding the beans and broth. Once the soup is done cooking, remove the ham hock or turkey leg, shred the meat, and stir it back into the soup.
Add Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of vitamins and color.
Tomato-Based Version: Add a can of diced tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste to the broth for a tomato-flavored variation.
Spicy White Bean Soup: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicier take. For a Cajun-inspired flavor, mix in some smoked paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper.
3. Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Freezer: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
This Old Fashioned White Bean Soup is a timeless recipe that offers both comfort and nourishment. Whether enjoyed with a smoky ham hock or kept simple and vegetarian, it’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its wholesome ingredients and heartwarming flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
