Bean with Bacon Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish
Bean with bacon soup is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the richness of beans with the smokiness of bacon. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The combination of creamy beans and crispy bacon creates a delightful flavor that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a soup enthusiast or just looking for a new recipe to try, bean with bacon soup is a must-try dish.
Ingredients:
2 cups dried navy beans
6 cups water
8 slices of bacon
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place the dried navy beans in a large pot and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
In a separate pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Next, add the soaked navy beans, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
While the soup is simmering, chop the cooked bacon into small pieces.
Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some beans intact for texture.
Return the chopped bacon to the pot and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the bean with bacon soup hot and garnish with additional crispy bacon if desired.
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of bean with bacon soup, making it ideal for a family meal or to enjoy as leftovers for lunch or dinner. The estimated cooking time, including the soaking of the beans, is around 2.5 to 3 hours. The result is a hearty and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.