Bean and Bacon Soup Recipe

Overview:

Welcome to Lovewithrecipes.com’s classic Bean and Bacon Soup recipe, perfect for large groups and ready in under 4 hours! This hearty soup combines the rich flavors of bacon, beans, and savory vegetables, simmered to perfection. With a total time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including prep and cook time, this recipe yields 20 6oz portions, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Nutritional Information (per 6oz serving):

• Calories: 72
• Fat: 5.2g
• Saturated Fat: 1.7g
• Cholesterol: 7.7mg
• Sodium: 112.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 4.6g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 2.4g
• Protein: 1.9g

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of bacon
• 1/2 cup of onions, finely chopped
• 4 stalks of celery, diced
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 gallon of water or stock
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 smoked sausage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preparation:

1. Check the beans: Ensure there are no stones in the beans.
2. Soak the beans: Pour boiling water over the beans and let them stand for 1 hour, or soak them overnight and drain.

Cooking:

1. Render the bacon fat: Finely chop the bacon or use bacon ends and pieces. Cook them on medium heat in a large pot until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp.
2. Saute the vegetables: Add onions, celery, carrots, and plum tomatoes to the pot with the rendered bacon fat. Saute until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add garlic (optional): For extra flavor, add a few cloves of mashed garlic to the pot.
4. Prepare the beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then add them to the pot.
5. Simmer the soup: Pour in the water or stock, add the smoked ham hock, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender.
6. Dice the ham hock: Once the beans are tender, remove the ham hock from the soup. Cut off the fat and skin, dice the meat, and return it to the pot.
7. Season to taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper, adjusting according to your preference.
8. Optional step: Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the soup, although in cold weather, the added fat can enhance the flavor.
9. Enhance with sausage: For an extra savory touch, finish the soup by adding sliced smoked sausage, such as kielbasa.

Serving:

• Ladle the Bean and Bacon Soup into bowls.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
• Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal.

Tips:

• Variation: Feel free to customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different types of beans.
• Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time and reheating it when ready to serve.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

This Bean and Bacon Soup recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy meal on a cold day. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a delicious homemade soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor with this hearty Bean and Bacon Soup! 🥓🍲