The aroma of simmering beans dances through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace like your favorite old sweater. Bean with bacon soup is like a cozy hug from a friend who knows exactly how to make your day better, bursting with flavors that tell stories of hearty meals and laughter shared around the table.
Imagine the first spoonful, where tender beans mingle with smoky bacon and seasoned broth, creating a symphony of taste and texture. This dish doesn’t just fill your belly; it fills your heart! Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this soup promises an adventure in every bite, making it an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The simplicity of this bean with bacon soup makes it a breeze to prepare after a long day.
- The rich, smoky flavor profile brings comfort to any meal, while its rustic appearance adds charm to your dinner table.
- It’s incredibly versatile; serve it solo or pair it with crusty bread for a complete feast.
- Perfect for meal prep, you can easily store leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner treat!
Ingredients for Bean with Bacon Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Dried Navy Beans: These small white beans become tender and creamy when cooked, absorbing all that delicious flavor.
- Smoked Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra smokiness and richness; it’s the heart of this comforting soup.
- Onion: A medium onion adds depth and sweetness; make sure to chop it finely so it melds well.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic goodness that elevates the entire dish—don’t skip this!
- Carrots: These add color and sweetness; diced carrots will blend beautifully into the soup.
- Celery: Use fresh celery for its crunch and flavor contrast—it’s essential in building foundation flavors.
- Chicken Broth: A good-quality broth enhances the savory notes of the soup; low-sodium is ideal if you’re watching salt intake.
- Bay Leaves: These leaves impart subtle herbal notes; don’t forget to remove them before serving!
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: Soak the Beans
Start by rinsing one pound of dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover them with water by several inches. Let them soak overnight or at least six hours until they swell up like they’ve just had a big dinner.
Step 2: Sauté the Bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, cook about six slices of chopped smoked bacon until crispy. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Remove the bacon from the pot but leave that glorious fat behind—it’s liquid gold!
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Add one finely chopped onion, two diced carrots, and two stalks of diced celery into the same pot. Sauté everything until softened, about five minutes. Toss in three minced garlic cloves during the last minute for an aromatic punch.
Step 4: Add Beans and Broth
Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot along with eight cups of chicken broth. Stir in two bay leaves and return the crispy bacon back into the mix. stir fry variations Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer Away
Cover your pot and let it simmer on low heat for about one hour or until those beans are tender and velvety. If you want thicker soup, mash some beans against the side of the pot.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Once cooked, season your soup with salt and pepper according to taste. Remove those pesky bay leaves before serving!
Transfer to bowls garnished with fresh parsley or crumbled bacon bits for that extra touch of yum! This bean with bacon soup is best enjoyed on cool evenings or when you need some culinary comfort—grab that bread roll because it’s time to dig in!
You Must Know
- Bean with bacon soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl.
- You can whip it up quickly and customize it based on what you have in your pantry.
- This hearty dish warms the soul and is perfect for chilly days.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing diced bacon until crispy, then add onions and garlic for flavor. Next, toss in your beans, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until everything melds together beautifully, creating a comforting bowl of bean with bacon soup.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the beans for lentils or add some chopped veggies like carrots and celery. For an extra kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some cheese on top before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bean with bacon soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Cauliflower Bean Soup recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an even richer flavor, let your soup simmer longer; this enhances all the deliciousness.
- Don’t skip the crispy bacon bits—they’re essential!
- Finally, taste before serving to adjust seasonings for perfection.
Sometimes I make too much bean with bacon soup, and my friends joke that I’m trying to start a soup empire. classic comfort food They always come back for seconds—never underestimate the power of comfort food!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Bean with Bacon Soup?
To make a delicious Bean with Bacon Soup, gather the following ingredients: dried navy beans or canned white beans, diced bacon, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. You will also need chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper for flavoring. one skillet meals For garnish, consider adding fresh parsley or croutons. This combination creates a hearty and flavorful soup that warms you up on chilly days.
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. Soak the beans overnight for best results. If using canned beans, the preparation time reduces to about 30 minutes. You need to sauté the bacon and vegetables before adding the broth and beans. Simmer until the flavors meld together beautifully.
Can I make Bean with Bacon Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can easily prepare Bean with Bacon Soup in a slow cooker. Start by cooking the bacon and then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cover it and set it on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop fully while you focus on other tasks throughout the day.
Is Bean with Bacon Soup healthy?
Bean with Bacon Soup can be a healthy option when made with lean bacon and plenty of vegetables. Beans are rich in protein and fiber, which aids digestion and provides lasting energy. healthy salad options To make it even healthier, consider using low-sodium broth and adding more veggies like spinach or kale for extra nutrients without compromising flavor.
Conclusion for Bean with Bacon Soup:
In summary, Bean with Bacon Soup is a comforting dish that combines the richness of bacon with nutritious beans and vegetables. It’s versatile enough for both stovetop and slow cooker methods, catering to your cooking style. With simple ingredients like bacon, beans, and broth, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, it promises warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
Bean with Bacon Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Bean with Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender navy beans with crispy bacon in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this hearty soup envelops you in warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Soak the beans: Rinse and cover dried navy beans with water in a large bowl. Soak overnight or for at least six hours.
- 2. Sauté the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon but keep the fat.
- 3. Cook vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot; sauté until softened (about five minutes). Stir in garlic during the last minute.
- 4. Combine ingredients: Drain soaked beans and add them to the pot along with chicken broth and bay leaves. Return crispy bacon to the pot.
- 5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about one hour or until beans are tender.
- 6. Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. Remove bay leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
