Bean with Bacon Soup

Cooking with beans often reminds me of the comforting meals shared during chilly evenings. Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Bean with Bacon Soup. The aromatic blend of smoky bacon, tender beans, and fresh vegetables creates a hearty dish that satisfies and delights.

Each spoonful brings back memories of family gatherings, where laughter and chatter mixed with the rich scents from the kitchen. One of my fondest memories involves gathering around the dinner table, where Bean with Bacon Soup was a staple. As everyone eagerly awaited the first taste, the familiar smell filled the air, promising warmth and comfort.

Great Northern beans, with their creamy texture, pair beautifully with the salty bite of thick-cut bacon. This dish brings together simple ingredients, transforming them into a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, Bean with Bacon Soup delivers the same sense of comfort that made those gatherings so special.

Let’s dive into making this soul-soothing, satisfying soup that brings a touch of warmth to any table.

Making a Delicious Bean with Bacon Soup

Fundamentals

Bean with Bacon Soup boasts simplicity and heartiness. Beans form the foundation, providing protein and fiber. The Great Northern beans shine in this dish with their mild flavor that absorbs the seasonings beautifully.

Bacon adds a rich, smoky undertone that’s essential to the dish. It not only contributes to the flavor but also infuses the broth with a savory richness. Fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery enhance the soup’s texture and nutrition.

Herbs, particularly thyme, introduce a bouquet of earthy notes that wrap everything in harmony. This recipe celebrates the beauty of home cooking while keeping things straightforward and approachable.

Preparation/Setup

To start, rinse the Great Northern beans under cold water. If you choose to use dried beans, soaking them overnight will ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

Next, prepare your aromatic base: chop one medium onion, two carrots, and two celery stalks. These vegetables create a classic mirepoix, forming the foundation of flavor for the soup.

Once the ingredients are prepped, heat a large pot over medium heat. Cook the six ounces of thick-cut bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the drippings in the pot to impart flavor in the soup.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a comforting Bean with Bacon Soup:

• 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

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

Techniques for Perfect Bean with Bacon Soup

Technique

Making Bean with Bacon Soup requires a few simple techniques that elevate the dish. First, sautéing the vegetables in bacon drippings enhances the depth of flavor. The fat carries the aromas, ensuring every bite is filled with the essence of the soup.

Controlling the heat is crucial. Simmering allows the flavors to develop and the beans to soften without losing their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot, promoting even cooking.

Tips and Tricks

1. Soaking the beans overnight is not just for convenience; it helps to ensure even cooking. If you forget to soak them, you can use the quick-soak method: boil the beans for 2 minutes, then let them sit, covered, for one hour.

2. Adjust the seasoning gradually. Taste the soup after it simmers for a while and tweak the salt and pepper as needed. The chicken broth already adds some saltiness, so be careful not to over-season.

3. For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork or a potato masher, and stir them back into the pot. This adds creaminess without the need for additional ingredients.

Troubleshooting and Perfecting Results

Perfecting Results

Timing is everything when making Bean with Bacon Soup. Cook the soup until the beans are tender but not mushy. Check for doneness by tasting a few beans. They should offer a slight bite without being hard.

Using quality chicken broth will significantly enhance the taste. Opt for low-sodium varieties to have better control over the seasoning during cooking.

Variations and Adjustments

Feel free to customize this Bean with Bacon Soup! You can substitute different beans, like cannellini or navy beans, to vary the texture and flavor. Adding diced tomatoes can introduce acidity that brightens the dish.

Incorporate greens like kale or spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and color. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so they remain vibrant and fresh.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving and Presentation

Serve Bean with Bacon Soup in shallow bowls to showcase the ingredients. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, enhancing the comfort of this warm dish.

Storage Considerations

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to thin the soup if it thickens too much.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Bean with Bacon Soup can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

Bean with Bacon Soup is a timeless recipe that not only satisfies hunger but also nurtures the spirit. Enjoy every slurp!

Bean with Bacon Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

A comforting bowl of Bean with Bacon Soup that warms the soul with its blend of smoky bacon, tender beans, and fresh vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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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Instructions

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

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans with a fork and stir them back into the pot. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: bean soup, bacon soup, comfort food, hearty soup, great northern beans