There’s something magical about comfort food, isn’t there? It wraps you in a warm embrace, making everything feel just a bit better. My ultimate go-to for those cozy nights in is this hearty white bean soup with bacon. The creamy white beans paired with the smoky, crispy bacon create a flavor explosion that feels like a hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made this soup—it was a chilly evening, and the aroma wafting through my kitchen instantly transported me back to my grandma’s house. Trust me, you’re going to want this in your life!
Ingredients for White Bean Soup with Bacon
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most comforting white bean soup with bacon. You’ll need 2 cups of white beans, soaked overnight for that perfect creaminess. Chop up 6 strips of bacon, as we all know, bacon makes everything better! Next, dice 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks to add depth and flavor. Don’t forget 4 cloves of garlic, minced for that aromatic kick! For the base, you’ll use 6 cups of chicken broth, along with 1 teaspoon of thyme and a bay leaf to infuse everything with warmth. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare White Bean Soup with Bacon
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this dish! Making white bean soup with bacon is simpler than you might think, and I promise the results will be worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
Step 1: Drain and Rinse Beans
First things first, drain and rinse those soaked white beans. This step is crucial because it helps remove any excess starch and impurities, which makes your soup smoother and creamier. Plus, nobody likes a gritty bean!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Next up, grab a large pot and cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This is where the magic happens! Rendering the fat not only makes the bacon delightful to eat but also creates a rich base for your soup. Let that sizzle fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the bacon is crispy, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies until they’re softened; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy—think of a comforting texture that complements the beans perfectly.
Step 4: Incorporate Garlic
Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic! Stir it in and let it cook for just 1 minute. Be careful here—garlic cooks quickly and can burn if you leave it too long. You want that fragrant aroma to waft through your kitchen without the bitterness of burnt garlic!
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Alright, now add the rinsed beans, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Give it a good stir! Bringing this mixture to a boil is essential because it kickstarts the cooking process, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat and let your soup simmer for about an hour. This slow cooking time is key to developing that deep, comforting flavor. You’ll want to check in occasionally and give it a stir to ensure it’s not sticking to the bottom. It’s worth the wait!
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Once the hour is up, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is where you can really make it your own! Don’t be shy—seasoning can elevate the whole dish, so trust your instincts. And don’t forget to remove that bay leaf before serving!
Tips for Success
To make your white bean soup with bacon truly shine, always soak your beans overnight. This not only softens them but also helps achieve that creamy texture we all love! If you’re short on time, canned white beans are a great shortcut—just rinse and add them in! Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning. Everyone’s taste is different, and you might find that a little extra thyme or a dash of smoked paprika can really elevate the flavors. Lastly, let your soup sit for a few minutes after cooking; the flavors develop even more as it cools slightly. Enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
This white bean soup with bacon is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients! Each serving, about 1 cup, contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 12g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the hearty goodness you’re enjoying!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned white beans are a fantastic alternative. Just rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot. This will cut your cooking time significantly, and you can still enjoy that hearty white bean soup with bacon!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is easy! Just let your soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container since it will expand when frozen.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Of course! You can easily swap out the bacon for some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve that smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian white bean soup that’s still packed with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation that fits into your busy schedule.
- Comforting flavors that warm your heart and soul.
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly nights.
- Versatile recipe that’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs.
- Nutritious ingredients that are both filling and wholesome.
- Budget-friendly meal that stretches your dollar without sacrificing taste.
- Simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
- One-pot cooking means less cleanup—yay!
- The smoky bacon adds an irresistible depth to the creamy beans.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your white bean soup with bacon is a breeze! Once it’s cooled down, transfer the soup into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This helps maintain that delicious flavor and creamy texture. Enjoy every spoonful!
Print
White Bean Soup with Bacon: 7 Comforting Steps to Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty white bean soup with bacon for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white beans, soaked overnight
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add beans, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute beans with canned white beans for quicker preparation.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: white bean soup, bacon soup, hearty soup