If you’re looking for a warm, hearty meal that brings comfort on a chilly day, Bean with Bacon Soup is the perfect choice. This delicious soup combines the rich flavors of bacon with tender beans and fresh vegetables. It’s simple to make and will surely become a family favorite!
Why make this recipe
Making Bean with Bacon Soup is not only easy, but it also uses common ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. It’s filled with protein from the beans and the flavor of the bacon makes every bite delightful. Plus, this soup is great for meal prep. You can enjoy it for days, making it a smart choice for busy weeknights!
How to prepare Bean with Bacon Soup
Preparing Bean with Bacon Soup is straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready in no time!
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
Steps:
- 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 the 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 the beans are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to serve Bean with Bacon Soup
This soup can be served on its own or alongside crusty bread, fresh rolls, or a simple side salad. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
How to store Bean with Bacon Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store Bean with Bacon Soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions. Just remember to thaw it before reheating!
Tips to make Bean with Bacon Soup perfectly
- Soak the beans: Soaking the beans overnight helps them cook faster and makes them more tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or potatoes for extra nutrition.
Variations
You can customize Bean with Bacon Soup to fit your tastes! Try using different types of beans, like navy beans or black beans. You could also add spices like paprika or cumin for a different flavor profile.
FAQ
1. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans. Just rinse them and add them to the pot after sautéing the vegetables, skipping the soaking and simmering steps.
2. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoky flavor by using smoked paprika.
3. Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! Bean with Bacon Soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring to airtight containers.
Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy making this warm, delicious Bean with Bacon Soup!
Bean with Bacon Soup
A warm, hearty soup combining the rich flavors of bacon with tender beans and fresh vegetables. Perfect for chilly days and meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
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
Instructions
- 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 the 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 the beans are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
This soup can be served on its own or alongside crusty bread and a simple side salad. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: soup, bean soup, bacon soup, comfort food, easy recipe