Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots

This Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is a warm, hearty dish that brings together protein-rich Great Northern beans and the natural sweetness of carrots. The recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for enjoying throughout the year, whether as a main course or a cozy side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it filling and nutritious.

The simple ingredients are pantry staples, so it’s easy to whip up.

Its flavors are both comforting and versatile, allowing for personalization with herbs or proteins.

It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian or vegan.

The soup is meal-prep friendly, storing and reheating beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb dried Great Northern beans (about 2 cups), soaked overnight or quick-soaked

4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

2 cups water (or more, to reach desired consistency)

2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a burst of freshness)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Beans:

If not already soaked, place the beans in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Soak overnight or quick-soak them by boiling for 2-3 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.

Stir in the garlic and carrots, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Add the Beans and Broth:

Add the soaked beans to the pot, followed by the broth and water.

Toss in the bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary (if using), and bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer the Soup:

Lower the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Check the beans for tenderness and add more water if needed to adjust the thickness.

Season and Serve:

Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the lemon juice if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 6 bowls

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 1.5 hours (plus soaking time for beans)

Variations

Add diced cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.

Stir in leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Use smoked paprika or chili flakes to add a smoky or spicy flavor.

Replace Great Northern beans with cannellini or navy beans for a similar texture.

Blend a portion of the soup or mash some beans to make it creamier.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals. Add a splash of water if the soup has thickened too much.

Related Recipes:

• Bread Pudding with Vanilla Bean Sauce
• Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
• Cheesy Garlic Green Beans

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time to about 20-30 minutes since canned beans are already cooked. Rinse and drain them before adding.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Use vegetable broth and skip any optional additions like chicken or sausage.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What other vegetables can I add?

Try adding celery, potatoes, or parsnips for extra texture and flavor.

How do I thicken the soup?

Mash some of the beans directly in the pot or blend a small portion of the soup using an immersion blender.

Conclusion

This Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is a wholesome, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for cozy meals. With its flexibility, ease of preparation, and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying leftovers, this soup is comforting and delicious every time.

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