Description
A hearty, comforting soup packed with smoky bacon, creamy white beans, and aromatic herbs. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for chilly nights, bringing warmth and nourishment to every spoonful. Simple to customize and great for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon (or 4 thick-cut), chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans (19 oz each) white kidney beans, rinsed
- ¾ cup half and half
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Fresh parsley or spinach (optional), chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add carrots, celery, and onion to the bacon fat.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and begins to brown.
- If needed, dab out excess bacon fat.
3. Build the Flavor Base
- Stir in garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Broth & Beans
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
- Blend ¾ cup of beans with half and half until smooth.
- Add whole beans, blended mixture, and crispy bacon back into the pot.
5. Simmer the Soup
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Final Touches
- Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh parsley or spinach if using.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker soup: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into simmering soup.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute half and half with coconut milk or extra broth.
- For extra greens: Stir in kale or spinach before serving.
- Vegetarian option: Omit bacon and add smoked paprika for depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American