– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups canned white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), rinsed and drained
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creating White Bean Soup with Bacon can be straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, along with the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
5. Incorporate Beans: Once boiling, add the white beans. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
6. Season: After simmering, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
Following these steps will guide you in creating a warm, comforting White Bean Soup with Bacon effortlessly!