Bean with Bacon Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender white beans with smoky bacon in a savory, flavorful broth. It’s a classic favorite perfect for chilly days or a satisfying meal any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Hearty: A flavorful broth, tender beans, and crispy bacon make this soup irresistible.
- Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for warming up on a cold day or enjoying as a filling meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find fresh ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings or add vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 package (approximately 12 slices) bacon, diced
- 1 cup sweet onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cans (19 oz each) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for enhanced smoky flavor)
Directions
1. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and fresh thyme to the pot with the reserved bacon grease.
- Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the chicken broth, about 3/4 cup of the cooked bacon (reserving the rest for garnish), salt, pepper, drained and rinsed white kidney beans, bay leaves, tomato paste, sugar, and liquid smoke if using.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Blend the Soup:
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Alternatively, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Return the remaining cooked bacon to the pot and simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with any remaining bacon bits and fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 bowls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Different Beans: Substitute navy beans or cannellini beans for white kidney beans.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Herb Substitutes: Replace fresh thyme with dried thyme or use rosemary for a different herbaceous note.
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, soak 2 cups of dried beans overnight, then cook them until tender before using in the recipe.
2. What can I substitute for liquid smoke?
If you don’t have liquid smoke, add a bit of smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
3. How can I thicken the soup?
Blend more of the soup or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to achieve your desired thickness.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except the bacon and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cooked bacon before serving.
5. Can I skip the blending step?
Yes, the soup will still taste delicious with a chunkier texture.
6. Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely! Dice and add potatoes with the other vegetables for a heartier soup.
7. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
This soup is naturally dairy-free, so no substitutions are needed.
8. What’s the best way to serve this soup?
Pair it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
9. Can I make this soup spicier?
Add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
10. How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
Reserve some bacon for garnish and sprinkle it on top right before serving.
Conclusion
Bean with Bacon Soup is a hearty, smoky, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its creamy texture, tender beans, and crispy bacon bits, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with bread or salad for a comforting and wholesome dining experience. Make a pot today and enjoy the warmth of homemade goodness!
Pair Your Bean with Bacon Soup with Irresistible Sides
Complement the hearty flavors of Bean with Bacon Soup with recipes that elevate your meal. For a perfect pairing, try crispy balsamic thyme potato torte to add a crispy, savory touch. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, consider serving broccoli and carrot scrambled eggs on the side. For a satisfying dessert, indulge in the sweet Alabama pecan bread to round off your meal with a sweet and nutty delight. Each of these recipes complements the comforting warmth of the soup!