If you are looking for a comforting, hearty, and wholesome bowl of warmth, then the Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This soup combines tender Great Northern beans with sweet carrots and aromatic herbs to create a satisfying dish that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Packed with fiber and protein, it’s not only delicious but nourishing, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make every spoonful delightful. Whether you want a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing starter, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together to deliver a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color. These simple pantry staples are easy to find and elevate the soup without fuss.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a rich, smooth base that gently sautés the vegetables and infuses them with flavor.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the broth once softened.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Brings a warm, aromatic punch that brightens the soup.
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced): Provide sweetness and a vibrant splash of color to the bowl.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Offer a subtle crunch and herbal undertone that balances the sweetness of carrots.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives a fragrant, earthy herbal note enhancing overall complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a piney, woodsy flavor that pairs wonderfully with beans.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough kick to keep every bite interesting.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors forward.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together into a comforting soup.
- 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy and tender, these beans are the heart of the soup.
- 1 bay leaf: A subtle background note that deepens the broth’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of brightness to balance richness and highlight freshness.
- Optional fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of green and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the diced onion and cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. The onions release their natural sweetness during this step, creating the foundation for your soup. Then add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery, sautéing everything together for another 4 to 5 minutes. This process gently tenderizes the vegetables, allowing their flavors to develop fully while keeping a slight bite.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Spices
Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Stir the mixture well to coat the vegetables evenly with the seasoning. These herbs will infuse the soup with warm, earthy aromas that perfectly complement the mildness of the beans and sweetness of the carrots.
Step 3: Combine Beans, Broth, and Bay Leaf
Pour in the broth of your choice, whether vegetable or chicken, to form the liquid base of the soup. Add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans along with the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir and bring the pot to a boil. This is where the flavors begin to marry beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Leave the pot uncovered and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the carrots become tender and the broth thickens slightly as flavors deepen. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to keep the soup uniform in texture.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice. This little addition is the secret to giving the soup a fresh, lively finish that elevates the rich, savory notes. Taste and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. And just like that, your Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe is ready to warm you up!
How to Serve Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley rings in a subtle brightness and a touch of herbal freshness that makes the dish look as vibrant as it tastes. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra flair. These small touches turn a simple bowl into something special at the table.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, especially a warm baguette or a slice of toasted sourdough. For a light meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the creamy beans. If you’re feeling indulgent, a chunk of sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream on the side is delightful too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more rustic presentation, ladle the soup into individual stoneware bowls, then top each with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a few whole beans left intact for texture contrast. You might also puree a portion of the soup before serving to create a thicker, creamier consistency and swirl in a touch of cream or coconut milk for extra richness. Either way, this soup always shines as heartwarming comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making reheated soup taste even better. Just be sure to give it a good stir before heating to redistribute the ingredients evenly.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeks. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick after sitting in the fridge or freezer, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway through helps maintain an even temperature.
FAQs
Can I use dried Great Northern beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using dried beans, soak them overnight and then cook them separately until tender before adding to the soup. This will ensure they’re perfectly cooked and avoid any mushiness that might result from cooking dried beans directly in the soup.
Is this soup vegetarian and gluten-free?
Yes, it can easily be vegetarian by using vegetable broth, and it is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s free from any hidden gluten additives.
How can I make the soup creamier?
For a creamier texture, mash some of the Great Northern beans directly in the pot with a spoon or potato masher, or blend about a cup of soup and stir it back in. Both methods thicken the broth without the need for added cream or dairy.
Can I add protein like sausage or chicken?
Definitely! Cooked sausage slices or shredded chicken can be stirred in near the end of cooking to boost the protein content and add a different flavor dimension. Just make sure any meat is fully cooked before adding so the soup reaches a safe temperature.
What type of broth works best in this recipe?
Both vegetable and chicken broth work wonderfully in this soup. Vegetable broth keeps it vegan-friendly, while chicken broth adds a richer, heartier flavor. Choose what fits your dietary preferences and desired richness.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe that nourishes both the body and soul. It’s simple to prepare, colorful on the plate, and full of flavor that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is destined to become a cherished staple. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into this deliciously comforting soup experience!
Print
Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any season. Featuring tender Great Northern beans simmered with fresh carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs, this soup is flavorful and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and is both vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Sauté vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add herbs and seasoning: Mix in dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with the herbs.
- Add broth and beans: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the drained Great Northern beans and bay leaf to the pot.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the carrots are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Finish and season: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker texture, mash some of the beans in the pot or blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in.
- Add cooked sausage or shredded chicken for additional protein.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
