Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

You can, but slightly dried or day-old milk bread or butter milk bread enhances the texture, making it closer to a true Amish bread soup. Drying the bread overnight helps absorb the flavors without turning mushy.

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

You can, but slightly dried or day-old milk bread or butter milk bread enhances the texture, making it closer to a true Amish bread soup. Drying the bread overnight helps absorb the flavors without turning mushy.

Is bupli soup served at every Amish church?

Not universally. This traditional Amish recipe is more prevalent in specific regions like Ohio and Indiana. It’s typically served during or after a church service meal, particularly where older customs still thrive.

What are other popular Amish and Mennonite soups?

Beyond bupli soup, communities enjoy hearty options like chicken corn soup, ham and bean soup, and beef stew. These Mennonite soups often reflect seasonal availability and the principles of Amish tradition soup making: simple, nourishing, and made from scratch.

Why is bupli soup considered a thrifty recipe?

It's a classic thrifty soup recipe—using leftover bread, home-churned butter , and farm-fresh milk. This approach reflects the sustainable, waste-free philosophy behind much of Amish culture food.

Traditional Amish Church Soup

Description

This Traditional Amish Church Soup is a comforting, budget-friendly dish rooted in Amish community gatherings. Combining tender navy beans, creamy milk, and buttery onions, it’s a simple yet hearty meal often served with chunks of bread. Its mild, nourishing flavor makes it a beloved staple in Amish households.

Ingredients

Scale

1 onion, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups cooked navy beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
4 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Bread, cut into bite-sized pieces

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir in cooked navy beans and milk.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot, garnished with bread pieces either floated on top or served alongside.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Add diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a heartier version, include cooked ham or bacon bits.
Pair with a fresh green salad or pickled vegetables to complement the creamy soup.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Amish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 265
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 856mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 61mg