Bacon and White Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 1/2 bag (about 1 lb) white beans
- 4 cups water (plus additional as needed)
- 2 heaping tablespoons chicken base
- 1 1/2 cups bacon end pieces (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornbread and sliced onion, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse the white beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place them in a 3-quart crock pot.
- Add Ingredients: Pour 4 cups of water over the beans in the crock pot. Add the chicken base and chopped bacon end pieces. Stir to combine.
- Cooking Time: Set the crock pot to high heat and let it cook for about 5 hours. Check occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the beans covered.
- Check for Doneness: After 5 hours, check the beans for doneness. They should be tender and creamy. If needed, cook for additional time until they reach the desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Mash for Creaminess: Use a spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the crock pot to thicken the broth and make it creamier.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with freshly baked cornbread and sliced onion on the side.
Enjoy your cozy meal of Bacon and White Bean Soup with the added crunch of cornbread and the zing of sliced onion!
here are some tips to make your Bacon and White Bean Soup even more delicious:
- Soak the Beans Overnight: To shorten the cooking time and ensure even cooking, consider soaking the white beans in water overnight before cooking. This can help soften them up and reduce the overall cooking time.
- Use Homemade Chicken Stock: Instead of chicken base, consider using homemade chicken stock for added flavor. You can simmer chicken bones with aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to create a rich and flavorful stock.
- Add Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of your soup by adding aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté them with the bacon before adding them to the crock pot for deeper flavor.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Experiment with herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your soup. Thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and smoked paprika are all great options that complement the bacon and beans.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve with Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings for your Bacon and White Bean Soup, such as grated cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits, to add texture and flavor.
- Make it Creamier: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or transfer some of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth before adding it back to the pot.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that bacon and chicken base can add saltiness, so be cautious when adding additional salt.
By incorporating these tips, you can elevate the flavor and texture of your Bacon and White Bean Soup for a truly satisfying meal.
