Chase the Chill with Soup

National Soup Month may officially end today, but not the lure of piping hot soup on a cold winter day. With the polar vortex continuing to bear down, pull together some favorite vegetables and tasty bits of meat for a hardy fare.

A tantalizing favorite around our household is Yankee Bean Soup. It’s loaded with nutrients including antioxidants, generous protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Serve this savory dish along with wedges of cheese and fresh fruit for a hearty, healthy meal. Yummy.

Yankee Bean Soup

2                      cups ham, 1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes (fat removed)

1                      cup onion, chopped

1                      cup (1 large) carrot, chopped

1/2                  cup celery, chopped

2                      tablespoons margarine

4                      cups chicken broth

2                      (15 ounce) cans white beans (Great Northern)

2                      cups diced tomatoes

1/2                   teaspoon rosemary

1/4                   teaspoon thyme

1                      large bay leaf

6                      peppercorns

                        salt to taste

In a large heavy saucepan, melt margarine. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until onion is translucent. Add chopped ham and simmer about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, beans, tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. This soup is good cooked in a crockpot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery, place all ingredients into crockpot, simmer on high for 30 minutes. Reduce heat and cook for 2 to 3 hours.

Why not make a double batch? This soup is great to freeze and keep handy for those rushed days or evenings. Or make ahead the day before to give flavors even more time to blend. Pull from the refrigerator and cook or reheat.

Chase the chill from your bones with this nourishing, easy to make soup, and listen to family accolades. What’s not to like about soup?

Advertisement

Read Full Post »