The aroma of Bean with Bacon Soup wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Picture this: tender beans swimming in a hearty broth, rich with smoky bacon flavor, mingling with hints of onion and garlic that dance around your senses. rich Guinness beef stew Each spoonful is a delightful explosion of comfort that leaves you craving more.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Bean with Bacon Soup
- How to Make Bean with Bacon Soup
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs
- What ingredients do I need for Bean with Bacon Soup?
- How long does it take to make Bean with Bacon Soup?
- Can I make Bean with Bacon Soup in a slow cooker?
- Is Bean with Bacon Soup healthy?
- Conclusion for Bean with Bacon Soup
- 📖 Recipe Card
This soup isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia in a bowl. I remember my grandmother making it on rainy afternoons when the world outside was gray and dreary. We’d gather around the table, laughter echoing as we slurped our bowls clean. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering of family and friends on game day, Bean with Bacon Soup brings people together, promising an unforgettable flavor experience. For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This comforting Bean with Bacon Soup is easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Its deep, smoky flavor will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
- The beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for your dinner table.
- Versatile enough to enjoy as a meal or a hearty appetizer, this recipe fits any occasion perfectly.
Ingredients for Bean with Bacon Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Dry Navy Beans: These small white beans are creamy and absorb flavors beautifully; soak them overnight for the best texture.
- Smoked Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for an irresistible crunch and smoky depth that enhances the broth.
- Onion: A chopped onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent to bring out its natural flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic richness; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
- Carrots: Chopped carrots contribute color and sweetness; they also provide a pleasant texture contrast in every bite.
- Celery: Diced celery adds crunch and freshness; it’s the secret weapon for balancing flavors in soups.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness while allowing the other flavors to shine through.
- Bay Leaves: These leaves impart a subtle earthiness to the broth; remember 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 your navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large pot and cover them with plenty of water. Allow them to soak overnight – this helps soften them and reduces cooking time.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. The smell will make you feel like you’re walking through heaven’s kitchen! Once done, remove it from the pot but keep that glorious bacon fat.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Using the leftover bacon fat (because who would waste that?), sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the crispy bacon back into the pot along with drained navy beans and bay leaves. Pour in chicken broth until everything is covered by about an inch of liquid.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about one hour or until beans are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks!
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove bay leaves before serving up generous bowls of your Bean with Bacon Soup. You can even garnish it with fresh herbs or extra bacon bits if you’re feeling wild!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it! Your very own bowl of warm goodness that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delicious Bean with Bacon Soup is not just any soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
- With its smoky flavor and hearty beans, it transforms any dreary day into a cozy delight.
- Perfect for meal prep, it warms the soul and the kitchen.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the bacon until crispy; this lets all that smoky flavor infuse the soup. While the bacon cooks, chop your veggies and rinse those beans. Once the bacon is golden, add the vegetables and cook until soft before throwing in the beans and broth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix things up! Swap out pinto beans for black beans or add a dash of hot sauce for some kick. You can even toss in leftover ham or turkey for an extra protein boost that will make your taste buds dance.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Bean with Bacon Soup, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about three days or freezes beautifully for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still keeping that rich flavor.
- Always sauté your bacon first to maximize its smokiness throughout the soup.
- Letting the soup simmer longer enhances all those fabulous flavors swirling together.
Sometimes, I whip up this Bean with Bacon Soup on rainy days when my friends need comforting food. Their delighted faces as they slurp down bowl after bowl remind me why I love cooking so much!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Bean with Bacon Soup?
To prepare a delicious Bean with Bacon Soup, gather the following ingredients: dried navy beans, thick-cut bacon, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, vegetable or chicken broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. You may also want to include optional toppings like fresh parsley or croutons for added flavor and texture. This soup is hearty and comforting, making it perfect for a cold day or any time you crave a warm meal.
How long does it take to make Bean with Bacon Soup?
Making Bean with Bacon Soup typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. This includes soaking the beans overnight for the best texture. If you’re short on time, you can use canned beans which will reduce cooking time significantly. The actual cooking process usually takes around 1 hour after the beans have soaked or been prepped. Just remember to allow some time for the flavors to meld; this soup improves in taste when left to simmer.
Can I make Bean with Bacon Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily make Bean with Bacon Soup in a slow cooker. Start by preparing your ingredients and browning the bacon in a skillet. Then combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker along with your cooked bacon and broth. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop beautifully while you go about your day.
Is Bean with Bacon Soup healthy?
Bean with Bacon Soup can be part of a healthy diet when made with wholesome ingredients. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber while bacon adds flavor but should be used in moderation due to its fat content. Consider using reduced-sodium broth and adding more vegetables to increase its nutritional value. Enjoying this soup as part of a balanced meal can satisfy both taste buds and health goals.
Conclusion for Bean with Bacon Soup
In summary, Bean with Bacon Soup is a comforting dish that combines hearty beans and flavorful bacon into a delicious meal. With simple ingredients and easy preparation methods, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. comforting colcannon side dish Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this recipe offers flexibility and rich flavors that everyone will love. classic shepherd’s pie Enjoy this classic soup warm, topped with fresh herbs or croutons for that extra touch!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Bean with Bacon Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Bean with Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or cozy gatherings. This hearty dish features tender navy beans simmered in a smoky bacon broth, enriched with aromatic vegetables like onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Each bowl delivers a delightful explosion of flavor that warms both body and soul. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried navy beans
- 4 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Rinse and soak navy beans in cold water overnight.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside while keeping the bacon fat.
- Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the bacon fat until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for one more minute.
- Return crispy bacon to the pot with drained beans and bay leaves. Pour in chicken broth until everything is covered by about an inch of liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about one hour or until beans are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving; garnish with fresh herbs or extra bacon bits if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
