Go Back
+ servings
Easy Bean and Bacon Soup_MidPage

Easy Bean and Bacon Soup

This easy bean and bacon soup is so delicious and flavorful!
4.16 from 13 votes
Print Pin Share on Facebook
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 363kcal

Equipment

  • Two large pots

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry cranberry beans rinsed and picked over
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 pound thick-sliced bacon sliced crosswise
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 pound carrots trimmed, peeled, and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 4 cups chicken stock plus more as necessary
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • Fresh parsley finely chopped, optional, for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare Beans:

  • Add the beans to a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, add the thyme sprigs, and bay leaves, and then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are cooked through. Add more water as necessary to keep the beans covered with liquid. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves and then drain and rinse. Set aside.

Prepare Soup Base:

  • As the beans simmer, prepare the rest of the soup. Add the sliced bacon to a large pot and turn the heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until most of the fat has rendered. Note: The bacon does not need to be completely crispy.
  • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.

Cook the Vegetables:

  • Turn the heat on the bacon fat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften. About 5 minutes.
  • Add the carrots and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the carrots begin to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 45 seconds or until fragrant.

Finish the Soup:

  • Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Next, add the diced tomatoes and the drained beans. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and add the cooked bacon. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 451mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @triedandtruerecipes or tag #triedandtruerecipes so I can feature you in my feed!