Lisa's Dried Great Northern Bean Soup

Warm, hearty, and packed with wholesome flavor, Lisa's Dried Great Northern Bean Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cozy family meals. This protein-rich recipe stars tender Great Northern beans simmered alongside aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, all infused with savory herbs, smoked paprika, and a choice of chicken or vegetable broth. For added depth, a ham hock or smoked turkey leg can be included, creating a smoky undertone that elevates every spoonful. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to velvety perfection, this soup is a filling, nutrient-dense option that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. Whether you're seeking a hearty dinner or meal prep for the week, this one-pot dish is a soul-satisfying favorite that’s worth the effort. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of brightness! Keywords: Great Northern bean soup, hearty soup recipe, dried beans recipe, slow-cooked comfort food, smoky bean soup.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Dried Great Northern beans
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium Carrots, sliced
• 2 Celery stalks, sliced
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 Ham hock or smoked turkey leg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried Great Northern beans thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris or malformed beans.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cover the beans with at least 2 inches of water and let them soak overnight (6-8 hours). Alternatively, use the quick soak method: place the beans in a pot, add enough water to cover them, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Step 3

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the soaked beans, bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using a ham hock or smoked turkey leg, add it to the pot now.

Step 7

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Once the beans are tender and cooked through, remove the ham hock or turkey leg (if used). Shred any meat from the bone and stir it back into the soup.

Step 9

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to suit your preference.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if using. Serve with crusty bread or a side of your choice. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2958.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2253.1

Total Fat 48.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 50mg	0%
Sodium 8060.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 320.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 79.7g	0%
Total Sugars 27.9g
Protein 129.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 965.1mg	0%
Iron 25.5mg	0%
Potassium 7230.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.6%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 57.3%