Amish Snow Day Soup

Description

Amish Snow Day Soup is a hearty, rustic soup traditionally enjoyed on chilly winter days when families were snowed in on the farm. Made with simple pantry staples like root vegetables, beans, and flavorful broth, this soup is comforting, nourishing, and easy to prepare — perfect for cozying up at home.

Ingredients for Amish Snow Day Soup

• 2 tbsp butter or lard

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery ribs, diced

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 cup green cabbage, shredded

• 1 (15 oz) can white beans (e.g., navy or great northern), drained & rinsed

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (homemade if possible)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup cooked ham or smoked sausage (optional for non-vegetarian version)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté Base Veggies:
   In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.

2. Build the Soup:
   Add carrots, celery, potatoes, cabbage, white beans, and optional ham/sausage. Stir for 2–3 minutes.

3. Add Broth & Seasonings:
   Pour in broth, add bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer:
   Reduce heat and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

5. Finish & Serve:
   Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or homemade biscuits.

Notes

• For a creamier texture, mash a few of the potatoes and beans towards the end of cooking.

• Substitute or add other winter vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or corn if desired.

• Vegetarian-friendly if you skip meat or use plant-based sausage.

Tips

• Make Ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors blend.

• Freezer-Friendly: Store cooled soup in airtight containers up to 2 months.

• Broth Booster: A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens flavors before serving.

Servings

Makes 6 hearty bowls.

Approximate Nutritional Info (per serving)

(based on version without meat)

• Calories: 210

• Fat: 6 g

• Carbohydrates: 32 g

• Fiber: 8 g

• Protein: 8 g

• Sodium: 680 mg

Health Benefits

• High in fiber: Supports digestion and heart health.

• Loaded with vitamins: From carrots, cabbage, and potatoes.

• Immune-boosting: Warm broth and garlic perfect for cold weather support.

• Budget-friendly & filling: Great for feeding a family nutritiously on a budget.

Q & A

Q: Can I use dried beans?
A: Yes! Soak and cook them ahead of time. You’ll need about 1½ cups cooked beans.

Q: What if I don’t have cabbage?
A: You can skip it or sub with spinach, kale, or even frozen peas at the end.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: Mash some of the potatoes/beans in the pot or stir in 2 tbsp of instant mashed potatoes.