Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots Recipe

If you’re looking for comfort in a bowl, this Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is about to become your new go-to. The combination of creamy white beans, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs makes it hearty, wholesome, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or you want a nourishing lunch that’s easy to prep ahead, this soup delivers big on flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity—the ingredients are approachable, but each one brings something unique to the table. These basics transform into a soup that feels both rustic and special, with every bite bursting with color and comfort.

• Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds a soft richness and helps build flavor right from the start.
• Onion: This classic base ingredient lays the foundation with its mellow sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the aroma of the soup and ties all the flavors together.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots not only add gorgeous color, but also a touch of natural sweetness.
• Celery: Essential for that traditional soup flavor and an extra dose of crunch and freshness.
• Vegetable broth: This brings everything together with a savory base—the higher the quality, the better the taste.
• Great Northern beans: The star of the show—these beans are tender and creamy, making the soup hearty yet light.
• Dried thyme: A little thyme brings earthy, lemony notes that complement the beans beautifully.
• Dried rosemary: Rosemary lends a fragrant woodsy taste that wakes up all the other ingredients.
• Salt: Don’t skip it—it brings all the flavors forward.
• Black pepper: For just the right amount of gentle spice and warmth.
• Bay leaf: Adding a bay leaf deepens the flavor and gives the soup a subtle, savory backbone.
• Lemon juice or parsley (optional): A squeeze or a sprinkle at the end wakes up the whole dish with brightness and color.

How to Make Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and let it sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to soften it and bring out its natural sweetness, which sets the stage for a soup that feels layered and robust.

Step 2: Add Carrots, Celery, and Garlic

Stir in the garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the carrots begin to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. At this stage, your kitchen will already smell amazing—these veggies form a savory medley that gives the Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots its characteristic base.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Beans

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the drained and rinsed Great Northern beans. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and toss in the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, then bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it all simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This simmering lets the beans soak up the flavors of the herbs and aromatics—a key step for developing that homemade taste.

Step 4: Adjust Texture and Finish

After the soup has simmered and your kitchen smells like pure comfort, remove the bay leaf. For a creamier soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in. Finish with a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if desired, to brighten things up. Just like that, your pot of Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots

Garnishes

A finishing touch goes a long way. A shower of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving lifts the whole bowl, adding a pop of color and a zesty sparkle that balances the rich beans. For extra flair, a few grinds of black pepper on top never hurts.

Side Dishes

This soup is fabulous on its own, but pairing it with a side can turn it into a memorable meal. Think thick slices of crusty bread, a green salad dressed simply, or a handful of homemade croutons tossed over the top. The mild flavors of Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots complement basically anything you love alongside soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve the soup in bread bowls for a rustic touch, or ladle it over a scoop of cooked brown rice or farro for an even heartier lunch. You can also serve tiny cups as a cozy starter for a dinner party—just sprinkle each serve with parsley, and it’ll look restaurant-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is how beautifully it holds up in the fridge. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps well for up to four days, and honestly, the flavors get even better overnight as everything melds.

Freezing

If you’re thinking meal prep or want to stash some comfort away for later, this soup freezes like a dream. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and it will be ready to reheat when you are.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If it’s thickened up, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. A quick stir and it’s every bit as delicious as when it was first made.

FAQs

Can I use dried Great Northern beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak the dried beans overnight, drain, and simmer them until tender before adding to the soup. It’s a little more effort, but the result is just as hearty and wholesome.

Is Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots suitable for freezing?

Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it.

What can I use instead of vegetable broth?

If you’re out of vegetable broth, water works in a pinch, although you might want to add extra herbs and a pinch more salt for flavor. Chicken broth is another option if you’re not strictly vegan.

Can I add other veggies or greens?

Definitely! Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering, or add diced potatoes for extra heartiness. This Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is endlessly customizable.

How can I make the soup creamier?

A quick trick is to mash some of the beans right in the pot, or use an immersion blender for a partial blend. You’ll get a luscious texture without any cream at all.

Final Thoughts

This Great Northern Bean Soup with Carrots is one of those recipes I reach for again and again, because it’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely packed with nourishing goodness. I hope you’ll give it a try the next time you’re craving something soulful—your kitchen, and everyone who comes to the table, will thank you!

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