Hearty White Bean Soup Recipe
Serves: 8 | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Description:
Indulge in a comforting bowl of our delicious White Bean Soup, perfect for chilly days and shared meals. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of beans with the rich taste of bacon and fresh herbs, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Ideal for any occasion, this hearty soup will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried navy beans
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 leek, sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 strips bacon, chopped
- 10 1/2 to 12 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beans: Start by soaking the dried navy beans overnight in a large pot, using enough water to cover them by at least two inches. This step softens the beans and reduces cooking time. If you’re short on time, you can speed up the process by bringing the beans to a boil for 2 to 3 minutes, then removing them from heat and letting them sit for 1 hour. After soaking, drain the beans and set aside.
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Cook the Vegetables and Bacon: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leek, diced carrot, celery, and minced garlic, and cook until they become tender, about 6 minutes. Next, add the chopped bacon to the pot and continue cooking until the bacon is crispy and the vegetables are well-cooked.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the diced tomatoes, 10 1/2 cups of chicken broth, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour or until the beans are very tender.
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Blend the Soup: Once the beans are tender, carefully work in batches to puree the soup using a blender or an immersion blender until it reaches a smooth consistency. Return the pureed soup to the pot.
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Adjust Consistency and Flavor: Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking over low heat. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add additional chicken broth in 1/4 cup increments until you achieve the desired consistency. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve hot. This White Bean Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 380.1
- Fat: 17.2g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 26.2mg
- Sodium: 187.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 40.2g
- Fiber: 13.6g
- Sugar: 3.9g
- Protein: 19.9g
Enjoy making and sharing this hearty White Bean Soup recipe from Love With Recipes. It’s a wholesome dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or serving at a family gathering! 🍲🥄
