Description
This heartwarming white bean preparation features tender legumes simmered with savory bacon and fresh vegetables for a deeply satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound diced bacon
- 1 large Spanish onion, finely diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced (about 2 cups)
- 5 celery stalks, finely diced (about 2 cups)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 pound Great Northern or cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 2 quarts (8 cups) water
- 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional)
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, sauté the diced bacon over medium-low heat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for approximately 20 minutes until crisp and most of the fat has rendered. Drain and reserve the rendered fat for other uses, if desired.
- Using the residual bacon fat in the pot, add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the vegetables become translucent.
- If using, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the soaked and drained beans, 2 quarts of water, and the Parmesan cheese rind (if using).
- Taste the broth and season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cover the pot and simmer the soup for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary. To slightly thicken, use the back of a fork to mash a few beans against the side of the pot. Remove the Parmesan cheese rind (if used) before serving. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve alongside crusty bread.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on the type and age of beans used.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: White Bean Soup