Cozy Bean with Bacon Soup – A Hearty Winter Delight

Bean with Bacon Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine sitting by a crackling fire, the aroma of smoky bacon and rich beans swirling around you like your favorite cozy blanket. Each spoonful of this hearty soup is an explosion of flavors, where tender beans meet crispy bacon in a savory dance that can make even the grumpiest of souls smile. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that warms the heart and fills the belly. For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe.

This delightful dish has a special place in my heart. Growing up, my grandmother made Bean with Bacon Soup every Sunday, filling our home with tantalizing scents that promised deliciousness. We would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter, as we dipped crusty bread into bowls brimming with this soul-soothing concoction. Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in, this recipe promises to deliver not just flavor but memories that linger long after the last bite.

Ingredients for Bean with Bacon Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Dry White Beans: Use navy or great northern beans; soak them overnight for best results.
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor; it’s the heart of this soup.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely to enhance its flavor.
• Carrots: Slice about two medium carrots; they add color and sweetness to balance the soup.
• Celery: Include two stalks of celery for freshness; dice them small so they cook evenly.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while still enhancing flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings depth; use about three cloves for a punch.
• Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse the soup with an earthy flavor; don’t forget 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: Prepare the Beans

Start by rinsing your soaked beans thoroughly under cold water. Then place them in a large pot filled with fresh water, covering them completely. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to simmer until they are tender—about an hour should do the trick.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In another large pot (one that can handle all those wonderful ingredients), cook your chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside but leave those glorious drippings in the pot!

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot with bacon drippings, toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these beauties over medium heat until they’re soft and fragrant—around 5-6 minutes should suffice.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Broth

Now add minced garlic to the mix and sauté for another minute until it becomes aromatic (your kitchen will smell divine). Pour in your chicken broth along with those lovely soaked beans—let everything come together beautifully.

Step 5: Season It Up

Stir in your crispy bacon pieces along with bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring everything back up to a gentle boil before reducing heat once more—let it simmer uncovered for about an hour so those flavors meld into perfection.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste this delightful concoction! If needed, adjust seasoning before removing bay leaves from your pot. Serve steaming hot in bowls while pairing it with crusty bread for dipping!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

There you have it—your own bowl of nostalgia! Enjoy every comforting spoonful of Bean with Bacon Soup, relishing both its hearty essence and your fond memories alike!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing your bacon until crispy, then add onions and garlic for depth. While that simmers, toss in your beans and broth. Let everything bubble together for flavor perfection!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap kidney beans for black beans or throw in some diced tomatoes for extra zing. A splash of hot sauce can spice things up if you’re feeling adventurous!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.

My grandma used to make this Bean with Bacon Soup every Sunday after church, and nothing felt cozier than coming home to that delicious aroma wafting through the house.

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Bean with Bacon Soup?

To make a delicious Bean with Bacon Soup, gather the following ingredients: dried beans (like navy or great northern), bacon, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and your favorite herbs such as thyme and bay leaf. You can also add seasonings like black pepper and salt to enhance the flavor. Fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. This combination brings out the rich flavors that define this comforting soup.

Can I make Bean with Bacon Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Making Bean with Bacon Soup in a slow cooker is an excellent option for busy days. Simply combine all your ingredients in the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Just remember to pre-soak the beans if required.

How do I store leftover Bean with Bacon Soup?

Storing leftover Bean with Bacon Soup is easy. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider portioning it into smaller containers for convenient reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop until hot.

Can I substitute vegetables in Bean with Bacon Soup?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Bean with Bacon Soup is its versatility. While traditional recipes often call for carrots and celery, you can easily substitute these with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Feel free to add greens such as spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and flavor. Customize your soup according to your preferences while keeping its hearty essence intact.

Conclusion for Bean with Bacon Soup :

Bean with Bacon Soup is a classic dish that combines comforting flavors and hearty ingredients into one satisfying bowl. With simple steps and customizable options, you can create a delightful meal that warms both body and soul. satisfying hamburger soup Whether you prepare it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this soup delivers rich taste and nutrition every time. slow cooker pot roast Enjoy it today or save leftovers for later—a true comfort food experience awaits you!

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Bean with Bacon Soup

• Author: Ava
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Bean with Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days and cozy gatherings. This hearty soup combines tender beans and crispy bacon, creating a deliciously savory experience that warms both the body and soul. With its rich flavors and inviting aroma, this dish is not just a meal but a nostalgic journey back to family gatherings. Easy to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends spent with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup dry navy or great northern beans (soaked overnight)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (sliced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse soaked beans under cold water. In a large pot, cover beans with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tender (about 1 hour).
2. In another pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove bacon but leave drippings in the pot.
3. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in bacon drippings over medium heat until soft (5-6 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in cooked beans and chicken broth, then add crispy bacon back into the pot along with bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about an hour to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For extra flavor variations, consider adding diced tomatoes or swapping in different beans like kidney or black beans. If you prefer a bit of spice, add a splash of hot sauce during cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.