Bacon and Bean Soup: A Symphony of Flavours in Every Spoonful
This soup is a beautiful medley of fresh veggies and savoury bacon, combined with the earthy richness of beans. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in those extra veggies without anyone noticing! 😉
Why You'll Love This Bacon and Bean Soup
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Loaded with veggies and beans, it’s a nutrient powerhouse.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of bacon and beans creates a hearty, satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Soup Ever
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest veggies you can find. Fresh basil adds a beautiful aroma and flavor that dried herbs just can’t match. 🌿
- Quality Bacon: Opt for a good-quality bacon with a nice balance of meat and fat. This will render beautifully and give your soup a rich, smoky flavor. 🥓
- Stock Up: Using a good chicken stock is crucial. It forms the base of your soup and adds depth to the overall flavor. Homemade stock is always best, but a high-quality store-bought option works too. 🥣
- Lemon Love: Don’t skip the lemon! It adds a lovely brightness that balances the richness of the bacon and beans. 🍋
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon and Bean Soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty sourdough or a warm baguette to soak up all the delicious broth. 🥖
- Top with Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream can add a nice touch of creaminess. 🧀
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal. 🥗
Veggie Variations
Feel free to mix and match your veggies based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Some great additions include:
- Bell Peppers: Add some diced bell peppers for a pop of colour and sweetness.
- Spinach or Kale: Stir in some leafy greens towards the end of cooking for an extra nutrient boost.
- Pumpkin or Sweet Potato: Swap out the zucchinis for diced pumpkin or sweet potato for a hearty twist.
Share the Love
Can’t wait to see your creations! Snap a pic and tag me @steph_cooks_stuff when you give this Bacon and Bean Soup recipe a try. Happy cooking! 🍴💕
More Delicious Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed this Veggie Loaded Bacon and Bean Soup, you’ll love these other hearty recipes
Each of these recipes is perfect for bringing warmth and comfort to your table. Happy cooking and bon appétit! 🍲🌟
Bacon and Bean Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey there, foodie friends! 🎉 Day 2 of our veggie-eating adventure and I’ve got a delicious treat for you! Introducing my super fast, Vegetable Loaded Bacon and Bean Soup! 🥣🥕🥓
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the base: In a large pot, heat some olive oil. Toss in the carrots, onions, celery, zucchinis, and bacon. Sauté these on high heat until they’re soft and you can smell that gorgeous aroma. 🍲
- Simmer with flavors: Add the crushed garlic and squeeze in the lemon juice, then toss the squeezed halves right in. Pour in the chicken stock and stir everything together.
- Let it bubble: Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
- Finishing touches: Fish out the lemon halves, then stir in the chopped basil. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or eggplant to give it a bit more substance and flavour. 🍆🍄
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop. ❄️🍲
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even a mix of Italian herbs. Dried herbs can also work in a pinch, but use them sparingly as they are more concentrated. 🌿🌱