Grandmas Classic Bean Soup
Hearty & Homely: Grandma's Classic Traditional Bean Soup Recipe
Fancy a hug in a bowl? Honestly, this bean soup is pure comfort. We're diving into a traditional bean soup recipe that tastes like your nan's kitchen.
This is What It's About
The Hearty Bean Soup Recipe is a spin on classic American comfort food. It is made with dried beans, ham hock, and loads of veg.
The perfect flavor for the cold nights. It will make 8-10 servings. Enough for the family and leftovers.
This is not your everyday bean recipe . It is rooted in tradition but is easy to make.
Main Benefits of Bean Soup
This traditional bean soup recipe is packed with fiber and protein. It is a wholesome and satisfying meal. Serve it for a cozy family dinner. Or when you need something comforting.
It also one of the comfort food soup recipes . It’s special because it's simple, delicious, and reminds you of home.
Gather Your Gear: Ingredients for Comfort
Ready to cook? Let’s get those ingredients sorted. You'll need dried mixed beans, olive oil, onions, carrots, and celery. Get some garlic, a ham hock (or bacon), chicken broth, thyme, marjoram, and a bay leaf.
Salt, pepper, and diced tomatoes are great options to improve the taste.
Let's start on this culinary adventure, it is much better than telly!. It’s like painting, but yummier.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Bean Soup
Right then, let's talk ingredients. You know, the stuff that makes this traditional bean soup recipe sing! It's a hearty bean soup recipe , so we need to get this right.
Main Players: Beans & Beyond
Dried Mixed Beans: 1 pound (450g) of your fave mix. Navy, pinto, kidney whatever tickles your fancy. Just make sure they are good quality; check for uniform size and no weird smells.
Think about it. Imagine if your nan would use them. That's the quality we are shooting for. I reckon for white bean soup , Great Northern beans are wicked.
You'll need 8 cups (2 liters) water for soaking, mind.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Nothing fancy.
Onion, Carrots, Celery: 1 cup each, chopped. These are our flavour heroes.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
Ham Hock: 1 pound (450g) is ideal. It gives the soup a smoky depth that's incredible. Or 6 slices thick cut bacon if you're posh and using that, you legend.
Chicken Broth: 8 cups (2 liters) . Low sodium is best.
Dried Thyme & Marjoram: 1 teaspoon each.
Bay Leaf: Just one. Don't go mad.
Optional extras: 1 can (14.5 ounce/411g) diced tomatoes (undrained) and 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley.
Seasoning Secrets
Honestly, the spices in this recipe are what make it proper comfort food. This easy bean soup recipe relies on the balance.
- Thyme and Marjoram: This combo is classic. It gives that warm, earthy flavor that is essential in the best bean recipes
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
- Flavor Booster: A pinch of smoked paprika can add amazing depth. I love it when the ham hock bean soup really has that smokey flavour
If you are feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. For those times when you forgot to buy fresh garlic or your cat ate it.
You can substitute a teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
Gear Up: Essential Equipment
You don't need a ton of fancy equipment for this Grandma's bean soup . But a few things are essential.
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: This is where the magic happens. If you don't have a stockpot, don't panic, a large saucepan will do.
- Colander: For draining the beans.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For obvious reasons.
- Cutting board & Chef's knife: For chopping all those veg.
And there you have it. The perfect equipment to prepare this comfort food soup recipes .
Hearty & Homely: Cooking Method for Grandma's Classic Bean Soup
Alright, let's talk about the magic behind this traditional bean soup recipe . We're aiming for that comfort food soup recipes vibe, yeah? The sort of thing that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
This isn’t just throwing stuff in a pot; it's about building flavour and making some proper bean soup . The key is the cooking method.
I like to use my Dutch oven!
Prep Like a Pro: Bean Soup Edition
First, the essential mise en place. Get those beans sorted and rinsed. Honestly, it’s the most boring part but crucial.
Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. It's like prepping for battle. This'll save you time later. And hey, make sure your cutting board is steady.
We don't want any sliced fingers!
step-by-step: From Zero to Bean Recipes Hero
- Soak those dried bean soup overnight. Cover the beans with water. Let them sit for at least 8 hours .
- Sauté those aromatic vegetables. Medium heat is your friend. Cook until soft, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Add your ham hock bean soup , or bacon. If bacon, crisp it up. Remove and set aside. You know, reserve that delicious bacon fat.
- Combine all ingredients. Add beans, broth, herbs, and tomatoes if you're feeling fancy. Bring it to a boil then simmer it.
- Simmer, simmer, simmer! This is where the magic happens. Simmer for 2- 3 hours , or until the beans are tender.
- Remove the ham hock. Shred the meat and return it to the soup. Get rid of the bone and skin.
- Season and serve. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley. I love a bit of pepper on top.
My White Bean Soup Pro Tips
- Don't salt too early. Salting White Beans early can toughen them. Wait until the beans are cooked!
- For a thicker soup, blend a cup of the soup and return it to the pot. Like a proper chef trick, you know? It gives it this great texture!
- Avoid overcrowding the pot. If needed, use a larger pot. Plenty of room lets the Hearty bean soup recipe cook evenly.
Recipe Notes for Your Traditional Bean Soup Recipe
Alright, so you're about to dive into this amazing traditional bean soup recipe . Let's talk about a few things. I like to make sure you get this bang on.
It's more than just a hearty bean soup recipe . This is about making memories.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Bowl
Plating and presentation, you know, can make a difference. Honestly, just ladling it into a bowl works, but why not make it Instagram worthy? A swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Also, think about serving it with warm, crusty bread. Perfect for dipping into all that lovely broth. You can also try a simple side salad with a vinaigrette.
This will cut through the richness of the soup.
Storage Tips: Keeping That Goodness Fresh
So you've made a huge batch of this easy bean soup recipe ? Awesome! Leftovers are your friend. Let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.
In the fridge, it will keep for 3-4 days . If you're thinking long term, freezing is the way to go. Portion it out into freezer safe containers.
It can last up to 3 months . Reheating? Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Easy peasy.
Variations: Make it Your Own
Want to make it veggie? Skip the ham hock bean soup and use vegetable broth. A dash of smoked paprika can mimic that smoky flavor.
For a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could swap out the mixed beans with your faves.
Great Northern or cannellini beans work well.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Spoonful
This bean soup is packed with fiber and protein. Helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
It's seriously wholesome stuff. Just be mindful of the sodium content. Especially if using store-bought broth.
Honestly, this traditional bean soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Don’t be scared to experiment and tweak it to your liking. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my beans still hard after simmering for hours? What am I doing wrong with this traditional bean soup recipe?
Hard beans, eh? Sounds like a right bother! A few things can cause this. Firstly, make sure your beans are relatively fresh older dried beans can take longer to cook, and sometimes just won't soften up properly.
Secondly, avoid adding any salt or acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) until the beans are mostly tender, as these can inhibit softening. And lastly, make sure the soup is simmering gently, not boiling rapidly, for even cooking.
Can I freeze leftover traditional bean soup? I always make too much!
Absolutely! Bean soup freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely before portioning it into freezer safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave a little room at the top as liquids expand when frozen. It'll happily keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or gently reheat it from frozen on the stovetop.
I'm vegetarian. Can I still make a tasty traditional bean soup recipe?
Of course, you can! Simply skip the ham hock or bacon. To add a smoky flavour dimension that would usually come from the ham, consider using a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika. Also, make sure to use a good quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could even throw in some smoked tofu, if you like!
What's the best way to thicken my bean soup? Mine always seems a bit watery.
There are a few nifty tricks for thickening bean soup. One option is to remove about a cup or two of the soup once the beans are cooked, blend it until smooth, and then stir it back into the pot instant creaminess! Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch slurry (mixed with cold water first to prevent lumps) can also do the trick, but add it sparingly!
Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for this traditional bean soup recipe?
You bet your bottom dollar you can! For a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables as per the recipe, then chuck everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients.
Cook on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. It's proper easy peasy!
Grandmas Classic Bean Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Fiber | 15-20g |
