White Bean and Carrot Soup (Low-Fat)

Submitted by BeachGirl

"A real comfort food, especially for cold winter days. White bean soup is my family's favorite, and I often use any of the following beans: butterbeans, baby or large lima, navy, or Great Northern. Prep time does not include soaking time."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 10mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 3

ingredients

• 1 cup dried lima beans (or any white bean)
• 1 quart hot water (not boiling)
• 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
• 12 baby carrots, sliced
• 2 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules or 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 (16 ounce) can fat-free chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons bacon bits or 3 tablespoons bacon, pieces (I use Hormel or Oscar Mayer, NO artificial bacon bits!)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• salt or salt substitute (I use No-salt)
• 3 tablespoons dehydrated spinach flakes (optional)

directions

1. Pour quart water over beans and let soak overnight.
2. Drain, rinse and drain.
3. In 3-quart covered pot, put beans, onion,1 cup water, and chicken broth.
4. Cook until almost done (30-90 minutes).
5. Cooking time will depend upon size of beans.
6. Add carrots, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and real bacon pieces (bits).
7. (Add spinach if you are using it.) Adjust seasonings and add salt substitute, if needed.
8. Simmer, covered until beans and carrots are done.
9. This could be made in the crockpot, just do not salt until beans are almost done.

Reviews

[dale7793]

This soup is fantastic! Far exceded my expectations for such a simple dish! I used what I had on hand, which was regular chopped carrots rather than baby carrots. I also used 2 97% fat free ham slices instead of the bacon. I put the ham and carrots in the pot and browned the ham, then added all the other ingredients (except beans) and simmered for a while. Then I stirred in a can of white beans (didn't have time for dried ones) and added 1/2 cup of green peas. I could have eaten the whole pot by myself, but I kindly shared it with my husband - who liked it too. I will definately be keeping this one!