Have you ever tried Northern bean soup? If you haven't, you're in for a treat! This cozy dish is not just about beans; it's a canvas for flavors and textures. You can whip up a classic version or spice things up with a Southern twist. Whether you're craving something creamy or hearty, there's a recipe here that'll tickle your taste buds. So, which one will you try first? Let's find out!
Classic Northern Bean Soup
Classic Northern Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. This soup features tender northern beans simmered with aromatic vegetables and savory seasonings, resulting in a deliciously rich broth that pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this classic recipe is sure to please everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried northern beans
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: cooked ham or bacon for added flavor
Instructions:
Begin by rinsing the dried northern beans and soaking them overnight in a large bowl of water. Drain the beans and set them aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until they're softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the soaked beans, broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
If desired, stir in cooked ham or bacon during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added flavor. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a creamier texture, consider using an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup after it has finished cooking, or mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
Additionally, for improved flavor, you can add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for longer storage, making it a convenient dish to prepare in advance.
Enjoy your homemade northern bean soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch!
Spicy Southern-Style Northern Bean Soup

Spicy Southern-Style Northern Bean Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings a delightful kick to your dinner table. This hearty soup combines the creaminess of northern beans with a blend of spices and vegetables, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.
With its vibrant flavors and satisfying warmth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and jalapeño, sautéing until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the soaked northern beans, broth, and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce while simmering.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. This recipe is also versatile; feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices according to your heat preference.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for future meals. Enjoy your spicy southern-style northern bean soup!
Creamy Northern Bean Chowder
Creamy Northern Bean Chowder is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. This chowder combines the creamy texture of northern beans with the rich flavors of vegetables and herbs, creating a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
It's easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or served with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the soaked northern beans, vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are soft.
Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a creamy texture, then stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some diced bacon or pancetta along with the vegetables, though this will alter the dish's vegetarian aspect.
You can also customize the chowder by adding other vegetables like corn or potatoes for extra heartiness. If you prefer a thicker chowder, simply blend more of the soup until you reach your desired consistency.
This dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep, and the flavors will deepen as it sits, so leftovers are often even better the next day.
Hearty Northern Bean and Vegetable Soup

Hearty Northern Bean and Vegetable Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly days or when you want something nutritious and filling. This soup combines the creamy texture of northern beans with a variety of fresh vegetables, creating a wholesome meal that's both delicious and satisfying.
It's simple to prepare and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup northern beans, dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Start by soaking the northern beans in water overnight, then drain and rinse them.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the zucchini and bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Add the soaked northern beans, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating other herbs and spices, such as bay leaves or smoked paprika, during the cooking process.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of the soup and then stir it back in. This dish also freezes well, so make a large batch to enjoy later on busy days.
Feel free to add in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, making this soup a great way to use up leftovers!
Smoky Ham and Northern Bean Soup
Smoky Ham and Northern Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul, making it perfect for chilly days. The combination of tender northern beans, smoky ham, and savory seasonings creates a delicious soup that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. This recipe is great for utilizing leftover ham, and it can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it simmers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 cup diced smoked ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the soaked northern beans, diced ham, broth, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider using a ham bone or hock in the soup while it cooks, and remove it before serving.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender for a few seconds.
This soup also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep; simply cool it completely before storing in airtight containers.
Enjoy the soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!