Cozy Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe

Introduction

Cozy Bean with Bacon Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This soup combines tender Great Northern beans with smoky bacon and aromatic vegetables for a rich, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the Great Northern beans under cold water. If using dried beans, soak them overnight to soften.
2. Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. Step 3: Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bacon drippings for about five minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Step 4: Return the crispy bacon to the pot. Add the soaked beans, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about one hour, or until the beans are tender.
6. Step 6: Serve the soup hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before serving.
• Swap Great Northern beans for cannellini or navy beans if preferred.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
• Use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian, and substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. This soup also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, canned beans can be used to save time. Drain and rinse them well, then add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to heat through without falling apart.

How do I prevent the beans from splitting during cooking?

Soaking the beans overnight and simmering them gently over low heat helps keep them intact. Avoid boiling rapidly, which can cause splitting.

Cozy Bean with Bacon Soup Recipe

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A hearty and comforting Cozy Bean with Bacon Soup featuring tender Great Northern beans, smoky thick-cut bacon, and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered in flavorful low-sodium chicken broth, perfect for a warm and satisfying meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Broth

• 1 cup Great Northern beans (dried)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Meat

• 6 oz thick-cut bacon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse the Great Northern beans thoroughly under cold water. For best results, soak them overnight in water to soften and reduce cooking time.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot, but keep the flavorful bacon drippings inside the pot for the next step.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the bacon drippings and sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
4. Add Ingredients to Pot: Return the crispy bacon to the pot along with the soaked beans, low-sodium chicken broth, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about one hour, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh contrast.

Notes

• Soaking the beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice garnish and subtle freshness.
• This soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: bean soup, bacon soup, Great Northern beans, comfort food, hearty soup, homemade soup