A Taste of Home: Traditional Mennonite Green Bean Soup

My grandmother’s kitchen was a haven of warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable aroma of simmering soup. Among all her culinary creations, the Mennonite Green Bean Soup stands out vividly. I remember watching her carefully chop the fresh green beans, their vibrant color a stark contrast to her weathered hands. The savory scent of the simmering ham stock would fill the air, promising a comforting and hearty meal that somehow tasted like pure love. This soup wasn’t just sustenance; it was a connection to our heritage, a taste of home in every spoonful.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 quarts
• Yield: Approximately 4 quarts
• Dietary Type: Varies based on stock (can be dairy-free)

Ingredients

• 2 quarts ham stock
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 6 cups green beans, chopped into 1/2″ – 1-inch lengths
• 1 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• Fresh parsley, finely shredded
• Summer savory (fresh or dried)

Equipment Needed

• Large stock pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spice ball or cheesecloth (optional, for herbs)

Instructions

1. In a large stock pot, combine the ham stock, diced onions, chopped green beans, and diced potatoes.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, approximately 1 hour. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add the finely shredded parsley and summer savory. If using fresh summer savory, tie the sprigs together with kitchen twine for easy removal, or use a spice ball or cheesecloth sachet. If using dried, add directly to the soup.
4. Continue to simmer for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse their flavor into the soup.
5. Before serving, remove the bundle of summer savory or the spice ball containing the herbs.
6. Serve hot. Traditionally, you can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sour cream per serving, or serve with cream or milk at the table for each person to add as they desire.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Enhancing the Stock: If you don’t have ham stock readily available, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable stock and add a smoked ham hock or bacon ends while simmering for a smoky flavor. Remove the ham hock before serving.
• Perfecting the Texture: Don’t overcook the vegetables to the point where they become mushy. The soup should have a slightly chunky texture.
• Balancing the Flavors: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. While this soup is traditionally mild, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. A bay leaf added during simmering can also contribute subtle depth.
• Herb Intensity: Start with a smaller amount of summer savory and gradually add more to taste. Summer savory has a strong, peppery flavor that can easily overpower the other ingredients.
• Spice Ball Alternative: If you don’t have a spice ball, you can use a coffee filter tied securely with kitchen twine to hold the summer savory.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Mennonite Green Bean Soup hot as a comforting and satisfying meal. Ladle the soup into bowls and offer a dollop of sour cream, a splash of milk or cream, and a side of fresh, crusty bread or homemade buns. New Bothwell cheese, a traditional Mennonite cheese from Manitoba, Canada, makes a delicious accompaniment.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Do not leave the soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Nutritional Information

(Note: This is an estimate, as nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	8g	10%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	20mg	7%
Sodium	400mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	11%
Dietary Fiber	8g	29%
Sugars	6g	N/A
Protein	12g	24%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute vegetable stock for the ham stock. Add smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for extra protein and creaminess. Omit the sour cream or milk topping, or use a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or oat milk.
• Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as the stock used is gluten-free.
• Spicier Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup while simmering.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, peas, or corn.
• Different Herbs: While summer savory is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dried green beans instead of fresh or frozen?
A: While fresh or frozen green beans are preferred, you can use dried green beans. Soak them overnight before adding them to the soup and increase the cooking time to ensure they become tender.

Q: Is it essential to use ham stock?
A: While ham stock provides the most authentic flavor, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable stock. Consider adding a smoked ham hock or bacon ends for a smoky element.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

Q: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: You can thicken the soup by mashing some of the potatoes with a fork or using an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup while simmering.

Q: What is summer savory, and where can I find it?
A: Summer savory is an herb with a peppery flavor. It is commonly used in bean dishes and stews. You can find it fresh or dried in the spice section of most grocery stores.

Final Thoughts

This Mennonite Green Bean Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to family, tradition, and the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or add your own personal touch, I encourage you to try this comforting and flavorful soup. Share it with loved ones and create your own memories around this timeless dish. And, as always, I’d love to hear about your experience and any variations you try!