Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup

Looking for a soul-warming, easy-to-make dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? Look no further! This creamy bacon and white bean soup is a perfect blend of hearty ingredients like cannellini beans, crispy bacon, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered together to create a rich and velvety soup. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or looking for a cozy meal on a cold day, this soup checks all the boxes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of preparing this delectable dish while also discussing the health benefits, variations, and answers to common questions about the recipe.

Why This Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup Stands Out

The appeal of creamy bacon and white bean soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a one-pot wonder that marries creamy textures with savory flavors, all without requiring hours in the kitchen. Bacon adds smokiness and crunch, while the beans provide richness and nutrition. Plus, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this soup can be a go-to when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.

Benefits of Making Your Own Soup

• Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your meal, allowing you to control the salt, fat, and flavor.
• Nutritional Value: By making your own soup, you can pack it full of healthy vegetables and proteins, giving it more substance than canned versions.
• Cost-Effective: This soup is made with affordable, everyday ingredients, making it a budget-friendly meal option.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: This recipe can be made in bulk, stored, and enjoyed for days!

Ingredients for Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup

To make this comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Key Ingredients:

• 10 strips bacon (diced)
• 2 large shallots (diced small)
• 3 medium carrots (diced small)
• 3 celery stalks (diced small)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for a slight kick)
• ¾ tsp salt (or more to taste)
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
• ½ cup white wine (optional but adds depth of flavor)
• 4 cups chicken stock (for a rich base)
• 2 cans cannellini beans (undrained for extra creaminess)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for an earthy note)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional, but adds umami)
• ¼ – ½ cup heavy cream (for that luscious texture)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

These everyday ingredients combine to create a balanced dish full of flavors that complement each other. From the crispy bacon to the creamy beans and aromatic rosemary, each element brings its own character to the soup.

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to prepare this creamy bacon and white bean soup.

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel, but leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot. This fat will be the base for sautéing your vegetables.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add your diced shallots, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook them over medium-high heat, stirring often, until they soften (about 3-4 minutes). Then, add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the garlic becomes fragrant, which will take about 1 minute.

3. Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful brown bits that may have stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce to about 2 tablespoons, which should take roughly 3-4 minutes. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace it with extra chicken stock.

4. Add Broth and Beans

Next, pour in the chicken stock, followed by the undrained cannellini beans (this liquid adds extra creaminess). Toss in the rosemary sprigs, bay leaf, and Parmesan cheese rind. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15-18 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Finish the Soup

Once the soup has simmered, remove the rosemary and bay leaf. Stir in the cooked bacon, ¼ cup of heavy cream, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. For a richer, creamier texture, add more heavy cream.

6. Thicken (Optional)

If you like your soup thicker, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or mash some of the beans with a spoon. This will create a velvety texture without adding more cream.

Notes and Tips for the Best Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup

To ensure your creamy bacon and white bean soup turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a Parmesan Rind: While this is optional, adding a Parmesan rind during the simmering process adds a deep umami flavor that takes the soup to another level.
• Blending for Texture: If you want a creamier texture but don’t want to use too much cream, simply blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or mash some of the beans. This trick helps thicken the soup naturally.
• Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little extra stock or water to maintain the soup’s consistency.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you want to make this soup lighter, swap out the heavy cream for a lower-fat option or dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk. You can also use turkey bacon to cut back on fat content.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

Let’s talk about why this creamy bacon and white bean soup isn’t just delicious but also provides a range of health benefits.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 25% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

• Cannellini Beans: These beans are high in fiber and protein, making them a great option for digestive health and satiety. They’re also packed with important nutrients like folate and iron.
• Bacon (in moderation): Bacon adds flavor and a bit of protein. While it’s high in fat, using it in small amounts creates a lot of depth without overwhelming the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Adding cream enhances the soup’s richness, though you can adjust this based on dietary needs. If you want to cut back on fat, substitute with a lighter cream or plant-based alternative.
• Rosemary and Garlic: Both rosemary and garlic offer health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties and supporting cardiovascular health.

FAQs

With its balance of creamy, savory, and earthy flavors, this creamy bacon and white bean soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for meal prep or serving it as a hearty dinner, this soup will become a family favorite. So go ahead—give it a try!

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