Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this Savory Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup?
The main ingredients include diced tomatoes, a ham bone, dry great northern beans, onions, carrots, cabbage, celery, raw rice, and water.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1/2 lb of dry great northern beans.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this soup is gluten-free as it uses rice instead of wheat-based grains.
How much water is needed for the soup base?
You will need one gallon of water to start the soup.
What type of rice is recommended?
The recipe specifies one cup of raw rice, specifically noting that it should not be instant rice.
How long do the dry beans need to simmer initially?
The beans should simmer with the tomatoes and ham bone for about 1 to 1.5 hours until they are almost tender.
When should the vegetables and rice be added?
Add the onions, carrots, cabbage, celery, and rice once the beans are nearly cooked.
What do I do with the ham bone after simmering?
Remove the ham bone from the pot, strip off any remaining meat, and add the meat back into the soup for extra flavor.
How long is the final simmering stage?
After adding the vegetables and rice, simmer the soup for an additional 30-40 minutes.
What is the inspiration behind this soup recipe?
The recipe is inspired by a beloved restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, known for its satisfying and cozy hearty soup.
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
While the recipe calls for dry beans, you could substitute canned beans; however, you would need to adjust the water and reduce the initial cooking time significantly.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe requires 3 medium carrots, sliced.
What size cabbage should I buy?
You should use one small cabbage, diced.
How many onions are used in the soup?
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions, diced.
What amount of celery is needed?
You will need one cup of diced celery.
How do I season the soup?
The soup should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste once it is finished cooking.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this soup is described as a great option for meal prepping and sharing with friends and family.
What is the first step in making this soup?
Combine diced tomatoes, the ham bone, and dry beans with one gallon of water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth or seasoned water instead.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a nutritious and filling option perfect for cold, rainy, or chilly days.
How much dry beans should I use by weight?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of dry great northern beans.
Should the rice be cooked before adding it to the pot?
No, the rice should be added raw (not instant) and will cook in the soup broth.
How do I know when the vegetables are done?
The vegetables are done when they are tender and the rice is fully cooked through.
Can I substitute the great northern beans with another type?
Yes, other white beans like Cannellini or Navy beans would work well as substitutes.
Does the recipe require soaking the beans overnight?
The instructions do not specify soaking; they suggest simmering the dry beans directly in the pot for 1-1.5 hours.
What is the texture of this soup?
It is a hearty and thick soup due to the combination of beans, rice, and various diced vegetables.
Is the ham bone necessary?
The ham bone provides the savory base and saltiness for the broth, but it can be replaced with ham hocks or omitted for a different flavor profile.
How much cabbage is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one small diced cabbage.
What is the total approximate cooking time?
Total cooking time is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on how quickly the beans soften.