Imagine a hearty, soul-warming soup that combines the rich, smoky flavor of crispy bacon with creamy white beans and a robust garlic punch - all prepared in just one pot! This American-style comfort dish is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something deeply satisfying, this One Pot White Bean Bacon Garlic Soup will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried white beans
- 6 slices of bacon
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the dried white beans, removing any stones or damaged beans. Soak the beans overnight in cold water, or use a quick-soak method by covering beans with water, bringing to a boil for 2 minutes, then letting them sit covered for 1 hour.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add them to the bacon fat and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until beans are tender and creamy.
- Crumble the reserved bacon and stir most of it into the soup, reserving some for garnish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon pieces. Optional: top with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always sort and rinse dried beans before soaking to remove any small stones or damaged beans.
- Bacon Magic: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crisp texture.
- Sautéing Technique: Take time to properly caramelize onions and garlic in bacon fat for deeper flavor complexity.
- Liquid Consistency: Keep an eye on the soup's thickness, adding more broth if needed to achieve your desired texture.
- Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually - bacon adds saltiness, so be conservative initially.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare in advance.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a splash of white wine or a parmesan rind during cooking for extra depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
