Name: Bean with Bacon Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Great Northern beans (dried); 6 oz thick-cut bacon; 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 carrots (chopped); 2 celery stalks (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

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why make this recipe

Bean with Bacon Soup is a comforting and hearty dish. It combines the rich flavors of bacon with creamy beans, making it a satisfying meal. This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Great Northern beans are high in protein and fiber, while bacon adds that savory touch. It’s perfect for cold days or anytime you need a warm bowl of comfort.

how to make Bean with Bacon Soup

Ingredients:

1 cup Great Northern beans (dried)
6 oz thick-cut bacon
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 carrots (chopped)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Rinse the Great Northern beans under cold water. If using dried beans, soak them overnight.
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon but leave the drippings in the pot.
Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon drippings for about five minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Return the crispy bacon to the pot along with soaked beans, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and let it simmer for about one hour or until beans are tender.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

how to serve Bean with Bacon Soup

Serve Bean with Bacon Soup in bowls, hot from the pot. You can add some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. It’s great for lunch or dinner, making it a versatile choice.

how to store Bean with Bacon Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.

tips to make Bean with Bacon Soup

Soaking the beans overnight helps them cook faster and become more tender.
For more flavor, you can add a bay leaf while it simmers.
If you like a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup before serving.
Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon based on your taste; more bacon will enhance the flavor!

variation

You can customize Bean with Bacon Soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing, and add smoked paprika for flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned Great Northern beans. Just rinse and drain them, and add them to the pot about 15 minutes before finishing cooking to warm them through.

2. How do I know when the beans are tender?
The beans are tender when they are soft and can be easily mashed with a fork. This usually takes about an hour of simmering.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead and reheat it when you are ready to eat.

Enjoy your homemade Bean with Bacon Soup!

Bean with Bacon Soup