The aroma of savory beans mingling with smoky bacon wafts through the kitchen, inviting you to savor a bowl of Bean with Bacon Soup. This delightful dish is a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings when all you want to do is curl up on the couch and indulge in something warm and delicious.
Picture this: it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and you’ve got your comfiest sweatpants on. You decide to whip up this soup, recalling memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed around the dinner table, punctuated by the sound of spoons clinking against bowls. Each spoonful captures that nostalgia, making Bean with Bacon Soup the ultimate cozy meal for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This hearty Bean with Bacon Soup combines ease of preparation with rich flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
- The delightful combination of ingredients creates a visual masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes.
- It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, ensuring it fits into any meal plan.
- Plus, the smoky aroma will lure everyone into the kitchen!
Ingredients for Bean with Bacon Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Great Northern Beans: These creamy beans provide a perfect base for our soup; soak them overnight for optimal texture. For more inspiration, check out this creamy cauliflower bean soup recipe.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for that smoky richness; it adds depth and flavor to the entire dish.
- Onion: A medium onion, diced finely will enhance the overall flavor; choose a sweet variety for added sweetness.
- Carrots: Chopped carrots add sweetness and color; they also contribute to the overall heartiness of the soup.
- Celery: Celery brings crunch and freshness; use it liberally to balance out the richness from the bacon.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced finely will give an aromatic boost to your soup; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a well-rounded flavor without being overly salty.
- Dried Thyme: This herb elevates the soup’s flavor profile; add it towards the end for maximum effectiveness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Bean with Bacon Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Beans
Start by soaking Great Northern beans in water overnight or at least six hours prior. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, cook about six slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside but don’t throw away that glorious bacon fat—oh no! We need that savory goodness.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot with bacon fat, add one diced onion, two chopped carrots, and two stalks of chopped celery. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—around five minutes should do it. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Step 4: Add Garlic and Beans
Toss in three minced garlic cloves and sauté for another minute before adding your soaked beans along with eight cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it all to a boil then reduce heat to let it simmer gently.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Add in one teaspoon of dried thyme along with salt and pepper to taste. Let your soup simmer for about one hour or until beans are tender. This patience pays off as flavors meld together beautifully!
Step 6: Final Touches
Once cooked, crumble your reserved crispy bacon back into the pot just before serving. Stir well and take a moment to inhale that rich aroma—it’s time! Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Transfer to plates and enjoy every spoonful of this hearty Bean with Bacon Soup—a perfect solution for cold nights or simply when craving something comforting!
You Must Know
- This delightful bean with bacon soup is more than just a meal; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- The rich flavors and hearty texture make it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cozying up alone or entertaining friends.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the best bean with bacon soup, start by frying the bacon until crispy, then sauté onions and garlic in the drippings. Add your beans next, followed by broth and seasonings, letting everything simmer to meld those glorious flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your bean with bacon soup! Swap out white beans for black beans or add a kick of heat with jalapeños. You can also throw in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover bean with bacon soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from getting too thick, then warm it on the stove until bubbly.
Chef's Helpful Tips
1.
- Use dried beans instead of canned for richer flavor; soak them overnight for best results.
2.
- Don’t skip the bacon; it adds depth and richness that elevates this dish beyond ordinary soup.
- For more inspiration, check out this easy sausage cream cheese recipe recipe.
3.
- Adjust seasoning after simmering; sometimes soups need a little extra salt or spice right at the end.
Nothing beats the time I made this bean with bacon soup for my family during a snowstorm. Everyone gathered around, laughing and sharing stories as they savored every spoonful—it was pure magic!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Bean with Bacon Soup?
To prepare a delicious Bean with Bacon Soup, you will need a few key ingredients. Start with navy or great northern beans, which add creaminess and texture. You’ll also need crispy bacon for flavor, diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for aromatics. Garlic Parmesan chicken pairing Don’t forget chicken or vegetable broth to build the soup’s base. Season with bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper for that perfect taste. Optional ingredients like diced tomatoes or a splash of vinegar can enhance the flavor profile even further.
How long does it take to cook Bean with Bacon Soup?
Cooking Bean with Bacon Soup typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours if using dried beans. First, soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time. After sautéing your vegetables and bacon, add in the soaked beans along with broth and seasonings. Quick chicken Alfredo option Simmer on low heat until the beans are tender and flavors meld together beautifully. If using canned beans, the process is quicker—about 30 minutes will suffice for warming and blending flavors.
Can I make Bean with Bacon Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bean with Bacon Soup is actually better when made ahead of time. The flavors develop as it sits, making each bowl even more flavorful after a day in the refrigerator. Prepare the soup as directed, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Is Bean with Bacon Soup healthy?
Bean with Bacon Soup can be a nutritious option when prepared thoughtfully. Beans provide plant-based protein and fiber while bacon adds flavor in moderation. To make it healthier, consider using turkey bacon instead of pork or reducing the amount of bacon used overall. Incorporating plenty of vegetables boosts its nutritional value while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
Conclusion for Bean with Bacon Soup:
In summary, Bean with Bacon Soup is a hearty dish filled with rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. By using simple components like beans, bacon, and vegetables, you can create a comforting meal perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings. Vegan pancakes for breakfast This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also allows room for creativity through various ingredient substitutions. So gather your ingredients and enjoy making this delightful soup at home!
Bean with Bacon Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Bean with Bacon Soup is a cozy and hearty dish that combines creamy Great Northern beans with crispy, smoky bacon in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this easy-to-make soup offers rich flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Enjoy each comforting spoonful alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Great Northern beans, soaked overnight
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the beans in water overnight.
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the fat.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon fat until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and sauté for another minute before incorporating soaked beans and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about one hour or until beans are tender.
- Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper; crumble reserved bacon back into the pot just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
