If you’re searching for a cozy bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of smoky bacon, tender navy beans, and savory vegetables simmered to perfection. This soup brings together simple ingredients in a way that delivers deep, comforting flavors with a rich texture that’s incredibly satisfying. Whether you want a hearty lunch or a soothing dinner, this Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe is a wholesome choice that will quickly become a comforting favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe is straightforward, and each one plays a key role in building those wonderful layers of flavor. From the smoky bacon to the aromatic herbs, every component contributes either to the taste, texture, or the lovely color that makes this soup irresistible.
- 1 pound dried navy beans: These beans offer a creamy texture and mild flavor that makes the soup heartily fulfilling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A touch of olive oil adds richness and helps soften the vegetables during cooking.
- 1 pound bacon, diced: Bacon brings a smoky, savory depth that’s essential for this soup’s signature flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced: Onion adds sweetness and a robust foundational flavor as it sautés with veggies.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots give a slight sweetness and beautiful color contrast to the soup.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery provides a subtle earthiness and crisp texture when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic elevates the overall aroma and adds a punch of savory sharpness.
- 6 cups chicken stock or broth: The base liquid that imparts body and richness to the soup.
- 2 cups water: To help achieve the perfect soup consistency while allowing flavors to mingle.
- 2 bay leaves: Bay leaves contribute a subtle herbal fragrance that rounds out the taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds a gentle earthiness that complements the bacon and beans beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Tomato paste deepens the soup’s color and adds a hint of acidity and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note at the end.
How to Make Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Beans
Start off by soaking your dried navy beans. This step is essential because it softens the beans and reduces cooking time, ensuring they cook evenly and become deliciously tender later in the soup. You can soak them overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling them briefly, then letting them sit for an hour. Once soaked, drain and set the beans aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Bacon
Next, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and cook your diced bacon until it’s nicely crispy and fragrant. The bacon fat rendered during this step will infuse the soup with its signature smoky richness. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about a tablespoon of the fat behind to sauté your vegetables.
Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables
Use the reserved bacon fat to cook the diced onion, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Adding garlic at this stage and cooking it briefly will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that are the heart of this flavorful soup.
Step 4: Incorporating Tomato Paste
Stir in tomato paste to create a rich, savory base for the soup. This step enhances color and introduces a subtle depth of flavor that balances beautifully with the smokiness of the bacon.
Step 5: Adding Beans and Broth
Now, it’s time to add your soaked beans, chicken stock, water, bay leaves, and thyme into the pot. Mix everything well and bring the soup to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 6: Simmering Until Tender
Let the soup simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens—the beans become tender, and the broth thickens with all the wonderful flavors from the ingredients. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if you want a thinner or thicker consistency.
Step 7: Blending for Texture
If you prefer a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the pot, or blend a portion separately and return it back. This technique adds luscious texture without losing the comforting chunkiness of the beans and veggies.
Step 8: Final Touches
Stir most of the cooked bacon back into the soup, reserving some for garnish, then season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Let it warm through for a few more minutes so all the flavors integrate.
Step 9: Serving Your Soup
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, topping each serving with the remaining crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Now you’re ready to enjoy a soul-satisfying meal with your Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe!
How to Serve Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe, simple garnishes like crispy bacon pieces and fresh parsley work wonders in adding crunch and a pop of color. You can also try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar to add creaminess and an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs perfectly with rustic bread or warm cornbread to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. A fresh green salad on the side can add a refreshing contrast, balancing out the smoky, rich soup flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or gathering, serve the soup in mini bread bowls to impress your guests and add rustic charm. Garnishing with freshly chopped herbs or a drizzle of chili oil can take this classic Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe from comforting to show-stopping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The flavors of this soup deepen wonderfully when stored overnight. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring you reheat gently to preserve the textures and flavors.
Freezing
Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. This gentle method helps maintain the soup’s creamy texture and keeps the beans intact.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried navy beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans will cut down your prep time significantly. Use about three 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed. Add them during the simmering step and reduce the cooking time since canned beans are already soft.
Is it necessary to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking beans overnight helps them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time, but if you’re short on time, the quick soak method works great. Alternatively, you can cook beans without soaking but expect a longer cooking time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To keep the smoky depth without bacon, use smoked paprika or liquid smoke and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock. You can also sauté mushrooms for added umami flavor.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
Simply add more broth or water while reheating or during cooking to adjust it to your desired consistency. Soups like this one are forgiving and easy to tweak as you go.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! After sautéing the bacon and vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This makes it a set-it-and-forget-it meal perfect for busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe is truly a gem that delivers comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with family and friends, it’s a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Don’t hesitate to try it out soon—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen.
