Home > Lifestyles > The Delish Dish

The Delish Dish

Soup shouldn't always be thought of as coming out of a can

By Bernadette Wilson

Fort Wayne Reader

2004-09-27

With the weather beginning to turn, the sun seeming to go down earlier, making the days shorter and cooking time even more rushed, this soup is hearty and can be left on all day in your slow cooker. It really only takes about 15 minutes to put together and boy will you be happy when you serve it and everyone enjoys it. This is something that is great for those nights you have to run from one gym to another to try to get all of the kid’s activities in. You can fill a thermos with this hearty soup and the kids can have a great meal on the go that you feel good about. Bring along a few pieces of bread and they will love to dip it in the thick and flavorful broth. The beans are the protein to keep them going, but if you feel they need even more of a boost, dice up some cooked lower-sodium ham and toss it in for a meat hearty meal.

Bean Soup with a Bang…….

This makes about 4 servings.

1 Cup dried navy, great Northern, or lima beans, sorted and rinsed
5 Cups lower-sodium chicken broth
2 Cups shredded cabbage
2 medium-size carrots, shredded
1 medium-size yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
_ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
_ Cup minced parsley

To quick-soak beans, in a large pot, combine beans and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered for about 2 minute. Remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. (Or, for overnight method, which I do before I go to bed, put the beans in about 4 cups of water. Put them in a cool place and enjoy a good night’s sleep.) Drain and thoroughly rinse the beans when you are ready to get the soup cookin’.

In the same pan, combine the beans, chicken broth, cabbage, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 2-21/2 hours or until the beans are tender. Pull out the bay leaves. Using a fork, mash some of the beans against the side of the pan. Stir in the parsley and the ham if you choose to have this a “Meaty” bean soup. ***If you choose to toss all of the ingredients in your crock pot before you go to work, just put it on low and go, go, go.

Remember, if you are taking this on the run, feel good about giving the family something nutritious…. If you serve this at the table, add a tossed salad and a loaf of bread sliced thickly. You can even put a piece of bread in the bowl and serve the soup right over the bread. This makes about 4 servings. Remember, have fun and use your imagination when cooking. A great family dinner always helps with a good nights rest.