Reviewed: Nov. 1, 2011

Never having had a green bean soup, I thought this recipe looked interesting. I cooked the green beans in 6 cups of ham stock I had made (chicken would probably work well too). I boiled separately one medium potato diced and one medium carrot diced and added them to the pot once the green beans were cooked. Additionally, I added some sauteed diced ham I had cooked with a medium onion. I had viewed some comparable recipes prior to making this and followed another recipe by adding 3 Tablespoons of sauerkraut with juice in place of vinegar. I found the blend of favors a bit different from the more traditional soups I have made. Slightly tangy from the kraut, but otherwise subtle flavors. I will make it again and serve with dark pumpernickel bread.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
0 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

ClydesBonnie

Cooking Level: Expert

Reviewed: Oct. 11, 2011

This was a great soup that had lots of flavor! I did half the recipe and it made plenty for two large bowls for lunch. I do recommend to double the bacon and instead of water to use either vegetable broth or chicken broth and plenty of seasonings. For the garlic I just smashed it and added it in to get the flavor, then removed it at the end. I did not like the vinegar. To hide the vinegar taste, I added in some shredded cheddar cheese to melt. So next time I will just remember to leave out the vinegar completely for us. This would be great with chunks of potatoes in it as well. Nice, simple soup. Thanks for the recipe!

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

pink

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Aurora, Indiana, USA

Living In: Moores Hill, Indiana, USA

Reviewed: Jul. 28, 2010

We enjoyed this soup a lot. Instead of bacon, I used a ham bone and cooked everything (except the sour cream) in the slow cooker for 8 hours. It needs more than a pinch of salt. Try 1 1/2 tsp. at least. Came out fantastic.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
2 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

mictlantecuhtli

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Verona, Wisconsin, USA

Reviewed: Jul. 24, 2010

I loved this recipe! I followed others' advice by adding potatoes, extra bacon, and two chicken bouillion cubes. I decided to change the parsley to dill, and this seemed to add a nice flavour. I didn't see the need to add the vinegar, so I didn't... it seemed to turn out just fine without it. Definitely worth a try, if you don't mind modifying recipes to suit your own tastes!!!

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
0 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

jennifershrupka

Reviewed: Jul. 22, 2010

Had a bumper crop of mature green beans and made this soup...it was souper:) And my husband loved it; said it reminded him of soup his Grandma used to make.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
0 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

noreen18

Reviewed: Apr. 13, 2009

Another option would be to cook a ham bone with the green beans, etc. for a few hours and add potatoes near the end of the cooking. I mash the potatoes a little to help thicken it. I also add vinegar and a little sugar to balance the tartness. I don't use sour cream. Recipe was handed down from my great-grandmother. This is definitely comfort food and a very inexpensive soup to make.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
6 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

GOLDENS

Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Rockford, Illinois, USA

Reviewed: Feb. 22, 2009

I added more bacon, and a flower and milk mixture to thicken. Simmered for 2 hours. The beans were out of my garden. This is a super good soup and good for you plus easy to make. I will make another pot for the freezer. My wife loves it!

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
0 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Perry

Reviewed: Nov. 21, 2008

This did not turn out thick at all when I made it. If I make it again I will increase the amount of flour I add. Despite being quite thin, the flavor was pleasant. Really different from standard American fare.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Mary M.

Cooking Level: Expert

Living In: Overland Park, Kansas, USA

Reviewed: Jan. 14, 2008

Love this soup. It is also a family recipe. I cook it with out the bacon and use French cut green beans.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Canadian Mom

Cooking Level: Expert

Living In: Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Reviewed: Sep. 16, 2006

Great recipe. I used light beef stock instead of water, added a few potatos and used a bit more garlic, onion and bacon than required by the recipe. Great taste; I will certainly do this soup again.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful