Savor the rich and comforting flavors of traditional bean soup elevated with smoky bacon and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm, satisfying meal.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients (For Four People)
- 300 grams of dried white beans (soaked overnight)
- 150 grams of bacon, diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1.5 liters of vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preparing the Beans
After soaking the beans overnight, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Set the drained beans aside while preparing the rest of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Bacon
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it becomes crispy approximately 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the vegetables until they soften, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Season and Combine
Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Allow the spices to bloom for about 1 minute, coating the vegetables with their flavors. Next, add the drained beans to the pot and pour in the broth. Stir well, bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
Step 5: Add the Bacon
Once the beans are fully cooked, return the crispy bacon to the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve it hot.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip Soaking the Beans: Soaking the beans overnight makes them easier to digest and reduces cooking time.
- Thicker Texture: If you like a thicker soup, use a hand blender to mash some beans partially.
- Smoky Flavor: Consider adding a smoked ham hock or extra smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor.
Alternative Preparation Suggestions
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and replace it with smoked tofu or tempeh.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more prosperous, slightly tangy broth.
Serving Suggestions
- For a complete meal or as a main dish, serve the bean soup with crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.
- It pairs beautifully with pickled vegetables and chilies for a tangy contrast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure the broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium broth and reduce salt added to suit dietary needs.
- Vegetarian: To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for that signature smoky flavor.
Storage Suggestions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and gently warm on the stove.
About Bean Soup with Bacon and Herbs
Bean soup has been a staple across many cultures for centuries, known for its hearty, filling nature. This version combines the smoky richness of bacon with tender beans, a comforting blend that tastes traditional European countryside cuisine. Adding herbs like thyme, oregano, and bay leaf imparts a delightful aroma, creating a nourishing and flavorful soup.
Cultural Context
This bean soup is inspired by rustic European dishes where legumes and cured meats like bacon were commonly used as affordable and sustaining ingredients. In Bulgaria and neighboring countries, similar versions of this soup are enjoyed, often passed down through generations as a symbol of home-cooked comfort.
