Best 2 Neighborhood Bean Soup Recipes

Seeking a comforting and nourishing soup that exudes rustic charm? Look no further than Neighborhood Bean Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of community. This delectable soup is a symphony of tender beans, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth, simmered to perfection and infused with a medley of herbs and spices. With variations ranging from classic to contemporary, this versatile soup offers something for every palate. Dive into the hearty goodness of the traditional recipe, savor the smoky nuances of the ham and bean version, or embark on a culinary adventure with the international variations, each boasting unique flavors and ingredients. Neighborhood Bean Soup is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that brings people together and warms the soul. So, gather your loved ones, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on a delectable exploration of this heartwarming soup.

Let's cook with our recipes!

NEIGHBORHOOD BEAN SOUP

Neighborhood Bean Soup image

Even though I'm single, I make multiple servings of everything. Actually, this tendency has helped me to get to know my neighbors. A few of them always volunteer to be my guinea pigs whenever I try out a new recipe or two. -Cheryl Trowbridge, Windsor, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner Lunch

Time 2h45m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 cups dried great northern beans
5 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
1 meaty ham bone or 2 smoked ham hocks
2 to 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon dried savory
2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil

Steps:

Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let soak for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened., Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return beans to pan; add broth, 3 cups water, ham bone, bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours. , Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the onions, carrots and celery in oil until tender; add to soup. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes longer or until beans are tender. , Remove ham bone; cool slightly. Skim fat from soup. Remove meat from bone and cut into chunks; return to soup. Discard bone.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 1001mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

NEIGHBORHOOD HAM AND BEAN SOUP

Neighborhood Ham and Bean Soup image

The flavors in this bean soup remind me of the bean soup my grandmother used to make on our farm in Ohio when I was a young girl. I love to make it during the winter months -- it doesn't last long. My daughter is now making it for her family as well. Maybe it's called "Neighborhood" bean soup because the neighbors love it when I make it -- it's a wonderful soup to share with special friends. It is great served wtih a nice piece of hot corn bread. I can't remember exactly where I found the recipe -- but I'm glad I have it and I hope you will feel the same.

Provided by Bobbie

Categories Ham

Time 6h30m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 cups dried great northern beans
5 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
3 cups water
1 large meaty ham bone (I use 2 or 3 smoked ham hocks)
2 -3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon dried savory
1 medium onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped (I also put in a handful of the chopped celery leaves)
1 large potato, cut into cubes (optional, but very good)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Steps:

Place beans in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2".
Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain.
Add broth, water, ham bone, bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours (I find I usually add at least an hour to this).
Sauté' onions, carrots and celery in oil; add to soup along with cubed potato (if using).
Cover and simmer 1 hour longer.
Debone ham and cut into chunks; return to soup.
Skim fat (I find I don't have any to skim).
I like to mash some of the beans once they get soft. My total cooking time is more like 6 hours than 4 hours.
Great served with corn bread.

Tips:

Use a variety of beans. This will give your soup a more complex flavor and texture. Try using a combination of black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, and navy beans.
Soak your beans overnight. This will help to soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you don't have time to soak your beans overnight, you can quick-soak them by boiling them for 1 minute, then removing them from the heat and letting them sit for 1 hour.
Sauté your vegetables before adding them to the soup. This will help to bring out their flavor and make them more tender.
Use a good quality broth. The broth is the base of your soup, so it's important to use a good quality one. Look for a broth that is low in sodium and has a rich flavor.
Season your soup to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream to brighten up the flavor.

Conclusion:

Bean soup is a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's also a great way to use up leftover beans. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a delicious pot of bean soup that the whole family will enjoy.