White Bean and Bacon Soup

White Bean and Bacon Soup Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

White Bean and Bacon Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavor from the smoky bacon, aromatic vegetables, and creamy white beans. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

History

White Bean and Bacon Soup is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of white beans and bacon is a popular one in many cuisines around the world. This soup is believed to have originated in Italy, where it is known as "Zuppa di Fagioli e Pancetta." Over the years, the recipe has been adapted and modified to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup diced bacon
1 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped carrot
0.5 cup chopped celery
1 lb (454 g) white beans, soaked overnight
1 cup seeded chopped tomatoes
3 bay leaves
3 thyme sprigs
1.5 qt (1.42 liters) chicken broth
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground white pepper
1.5 tsp cajun seasoning
chopped parsley for garnish

How to prepare

Drain the beans and place them in a pot with enough water to cover.
Cook for 2 hours.
In a large pot, heat olive oil and bacon over medium-high heat until the fat begins to render.
Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes.
Drain the beans and add tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and stock.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes.
Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Stir in some chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition.
Use smoked turkey or ham instead of bacon for a lighter version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the white beans overnight helps to reduce the cooking time and ensures that they cook evenly.

- Be sure to remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving to avoid any unwanted texture in the soup.

- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or potato masher before serving.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or cajun seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

White Bean and Bacon Soup can be served as a main course with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use navy beans or cannellini beans instead of white beans.

- Substitute pancetta or ham for the bacon.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

White Bean and Bacon Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of White Bean and Bacon Soup with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

White Bean and Bacon Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad, a glass of white wine, or a slice of crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover White Bean and Bacon Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of White Bean and Bacon Soup contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of White Bean and Bacon Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Each serving of White Bean and Bacon Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fat in this dish comes primarily from the bacon and olive oil, which add flavor and richness to the soup.

Proteins

Each serving of White Bean and Bacon Soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

White Bean and Bacon Soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

White Bean and Bacon Soup contains bacon, which is a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Overall, White Bean and Bacon Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients. It is a great option for a cozy night in or a comforting meal on a cold day.

Summary

White Bean and Bacon Soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish, and don't forget to garnish with chopped parsley for a finishing touch.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for White Bean and Bacon Soup. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, the leaves were falling outside and the scent of burning firewood filled the air. I was rummaging through an old recipe box that once belonged to my mother, searching for inspiration for a new dish to make for dinner.

As I flipped through the yellowed index cards, I stumbled upon a faded piece of paper tucked away in the back of the box. It was a handwritten recipe for White Bean and Bacon Soup, written in elegant cursive with splatters of dried soup broth staining the edges. The ingredients were simple - white beans, bacon, onions, garlic, and a handful of herbs and spices. But there was something about the way the recipe was written that intrigued me.

I could almost picture the person who had written it, standing over a steaming pot on a cold winter's day, stirring in the ingredients with care and love. I could almost smell the rich aroma of the bacon sizzling in the pan, mingling with the earthy scent of the beans simmering on the stove. It was as if the recipe itself held a story within its lines, waiting to be told.

I decided then and there that I had to make this soup. I gathered the ingredients from my pantry and set to work, chopping onions, mincing garlic, and crisping bacon in a heavy-bottomed pot. The kitchen soon filled with the savory scent of the sizzling bacon, mingling with the sweet aroma of the onions and garlic. I added the white beans, a splash of chicken broth, and a handful of herbs and spices, letting the soup simmer and thicken on the stove.

As the soup bubbled away, I found myself lost in memories of my childhood. I remembered my mother standing in the kitchen, her apron stained with flour, stirring pots on the stove and humming a tune under her breath. I remembered the warmth of the kitchen on winter evenings, the sound of the fire crackling in the hearth, and the comforting aroma of my mother's cooking filling the air.

I remembered the first time I had tasted White Bean and Bacon Soup. It was at a neighborhood potluck, a gathering of friends and family on a crisp autumn day. I had taken a hesitant spoonful of the soup, not sure what to expect, and was instantly transported back to my mother's kitchen. The rich flavors of the bacon and beans, the warmth of the broth, and the delicate balance of herbs and spices had made me feel as if I were wrapped in a cozy blanket on a cold winter's night.

As I stirred the pot on the stove, I felt a sense of connection to the past, to the generations of cooks who had come before me. I could almost hear the whispers of my ancestors, passing down their recipes and culinary wisdom through the ages. I felt their presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands as I seasoned the soup, adjusting the heat of the flame, and tasting the broth for perfection.

Finally, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. I set the table with crusty bread and a simple salad, the perfect accompaniments to the hearty soup. As my family gathered around the table, their faces aglow with anticipation, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction.

I watched as they took their first spoonfuls of the soup, their eyes lighting up with delight. I listened to the sounds of slurping and savoring, of laughter and conversation filling the air. And as we sat together, sharing a meal that had been passed down through generations, I knew that I had found more than just a recipe that day.

I had found a connection to my past, to my family, and to the simple pleasures of good food and good company. And as I savored each spoonful of White Bean and Bacon Soup, I knew that this recipe would be one that I would cherish and pass down to future generations, just as it had been passed down to me.