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A heartwarming White Bean Soup with Bacon blends silky beans, crispy bacon, and soft veggies in a thick, filling broth. This cozy soup turns basic ingredients into a fulfilling dish that's ideal for cold nights or anytime you're craving a bowl of homemade goodness.
I stumbled upon this dish during an extra frosty season when I needed something comforting. The way bacon's smoky taste spreads through the whole soup while the beans form a velvety base makes this meal totally memorable.
Picking Fresh Components
- Bacon: Go for thick slices to get the best taste and bite
- White beans: Cannellini beans give you the perfect smoothness
- Fresh vegetables: Builds the key flavor base
- Herbs and spices: Adds richness and layers
- Chicken broth: Pick low-sodium to manage salt better
- Half and half: Brings a touch of creaminess
Putting Your Soup Together
- Flavor Foundation:
- Cook bacon till crispy. Save for topping. Cook veggies in the bacon drippings. Create tasty base.
- Working with Beans:
- Mash some for creaminess. Leave others whole for texture. Wash them well. Add salt carefully.
- Final Mixture:
- Mix everything bit by bit. Cook until veggies soften. Check taste as you go. Stir in cream last.
My nonna always told me to keep some bacon fat for cooking garlic bread - it brings an amazing flavor to the whole meal.
Tasty Companions
Enjoy with a chunk of rustic bread for soaking up goodness, some chopped fresh herbs, and extra bacon crumbles on top. A basic green salad with lemony dressing cuts through the richness just right.
Tasty Twists
Switch things up using other beans, toss in some kale or spinach for health benefits, or add Italian sausage for a meatier meal. Make it veggie-friendly by using smoked paprika for that smoky taste.
Keeping It Fresh
Store in a sealed container up to four days in your fridge. Freezes well for three months max. Warm it up slowly, adding extra broth if it's too thick.
This White Bean Soup has turned into my go-to comfort dish. The way it fills your home with lovely smells and gets everyone gathered at the table makes it more than just food - it's what home cooking is all about.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I use dried beans?
- Of course! Just cook them beforehand. You’ll need about 4 cups of cooked beans instead of canned.
- → How do I make it thicker?
- Blend more of the beans with the broth, or mix in a quick cornstarch slurry.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
- Totally! But leave out the cream before freezing. Add it later when reheating.
- → What can I use instead of half and half?
- You can swap it with heavy cream for a richer taste or whole milk if you want it lighter.
- → Can I make it vegetarian?
- Skip the bacon and pick vegetable broth. Toss in some smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness.