White Bean Soup with Bacon

In the realm of culinary delights, comfort food holds a special place in our hearts. It evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction, serving as a source of solace during challenging times or simply offering a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Among the myriad of comfort food options, soups stand out with their ability to nourish both body and soul. Enter Smoky White Bean Bliss Soup – a hearty and nutritious dish that perfectly embodies the essence of comfort food, making it an ideal choice for any season.

Discover the comfort of Smoky White Bean Bliss Soup, a nourishing dish perfect for any season. This hearty recipe features creamy white beans, smoky bacon, and a mix of aromatic vegetables, all simmered to flavorful perfection. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s as healthy as it is satisfying. Ideal for cold evenings or impressing guests, this versatile soup is an essential addition to your cooking repertoire. Get ready to warm your soul with every delicious bowl.

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Ingredients

1 cup dried white beans (cannellini or navy), soaked overnight

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups kale or spinach (optional, for added greens)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Crusty bread (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Beans: Drain the soaked white beans and set aside. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them.

Cook the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the bacon fat. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Season the Soup: Add the thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and the drained white beans. Stir well to combine.

Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.

Stir in Greens: If using kale or spinach, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will add a lovely freshness to the soup.

Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper accordingly. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon for a smoky flavor infusion.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes | 4-6 servings