Hearty Green Bean and Potato Soup
Revisit the comforting simplicity of this Hearty Green Bean and Potato Soup, a rustic dish that has graced family tables for generations. Originating from a childhood filled with the bounty of a farm, this hearty soup brings together tender green beans and new potatoes, simmered with sweet, caramelized onions. The optional hint of thyme adds a gentle earthy note, enhancing the dish's natural flavors. This recipe is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a delicious, filling meal that celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients. Perfect for serving a family or for sharing with friends at potlucks, this soup is a reminder of the joy found in back-to-basics cooking. Although initially met with skepticism, it is beloved for its rich, satisfying taste and its ability to evoke fond memories with every bite.
N/A
Servings
50
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
green beans
1 lb (ends removed and broken into bite-size pieces)
new potatoes
1 lb (scrubbed, skins left on and quartered)
onion
1 medium (sliced into thin strips)
thyme
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
milk
to taste (added for creaminess)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the green beans, quartered potatoes, and sliced onion.
2
Add enough water to the pot to cover the vegetables and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
4
Carefully stir in just enough milk to create a creamy consistency without bringing it back to a boil.
5
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Serve hot in bowls, allowing guests to add extra seasoning if desired.
Nutrition Information
0.5
Fat
10
Carbs
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Green Bean and Potato Soup?
It is a rustic, simple soup featuring green beans, new potatoes, and onions, often associated with traditional farm-style cooking.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of green beans, 1 lb of new potatoes, one medium onion, milk, and optional thyme.
How should I prepare the green beans?
You should remove the ends and break the beans into bite-size pieces before cooking.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, the recipe recommends using new potatoes with the skins left on, simply scrubbed and quartered.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be sliced into thin strips.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer on low heat for approximately 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
When should I add the milk to the soup?
Stir in the milk carefully after the vegetables have finished simmering and are tender.
Is it okay to boil the soup after adding the milk?
No, you should add the milk for creaminess without bringing the soup back to a boil.
Is this Hearty Green Bean and Potato Soup vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, water, milk, and seasonings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 50 calories per serving of this soup.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This soup is very low in fat, containing only about 0.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the soup?
There are approximately 2g of protein per serving.
Is thyme a required ingredient?
No, thyme is optional, but it adds a gentle earthy note to the dish's natural flavors.
What type of thyme should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of thyme to enhance the earthy profile of the vegetables.
How much milk should I use?
The amount of milk is 'to taste,' meaning you should add just enough to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
How should I season the soup?
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste after the milk has been incorporated.
Can I serve this soup at a potluck?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as being perfect for sharing with friends and family at potlucks.
What heat setting should I use to start the soup?
Bring the vegetables and water to a boil over medium-high heat initially.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low for the remainder of the vegetable cooking time.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
Add enough water to the saucepan to completely cover the green beans, potatoes, and onions.
What makes this soup a 'comfort food'?
Its simplicity, nostalgic farm-style origins, and rich, satisfying taste make it a classic comfort dish.
Can I add extra seasoning at the table?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the soup hot and allow guests to add extra seasoning if they desire.
Is this a good recipe for using fresh garden produce?
Yes, the recipe celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients like new potatoes and green beans.
What is the texture of the vegetables in the finished soup?
The green beans and potatoes should be simmered until they are tender.
Does this recipe use any butter or oil?
No, the recipe relies on water for boiling and milk for creaminess, keeping the fat content low.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 7 ingredients: green beans, new potatoes, onion, thyme, milk, salt, and pepper.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, though you should always check your specific brand of milk or seasonings.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It originates from childhood memories of farm-fresh cooking and back-to-basics family meals.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only a few simple steps of boiling and simmering, it is an excellent recipe for those looking for simple cooking.