Yankee Bean Soup

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + standing Cook: 1-3/4 hours
Yield 6 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This Yankee bean soup is perfect anytime you're in the mood for a hearty, flavorful dish. Smoky bacon and sweet molasses are combined with creamy navy beans to create a warming meal in a bowl. Just add bread!

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups dried navy beans
  • 1/2 pound sliced bacon, diced
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrot
  • 1/3 cup chopped celery leaves
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons molasses
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt

Directions

  1. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour.
  2. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Set beans aside. In the same pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings.
  3. In drippings, saute onion until tender. Stir in carrot and celery leaves. Return beans to pan. Add water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until beans are tender.
  4. Stir in milk, molasses, salt and bacon. Remove about 2-1/2 cups of soup; cool slightly. Place in a blender or food processor; cover and process until pureed. Return to pan; heat through.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 315 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 847mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 13g fiber), 18g protein.

My family really enjoys this hearty soup, which is perfect for a wintry day. Bacon, molasses and onion add great flavor. A friend from Massachusetts gave me the recipe years ago, and I've made it countless times since then. —Ann Nace, Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Recipe Creator

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