Bean soup with smoked ribs
Smoked Bacon Bean Soup
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Smoked bacon bean soup is a traditional, warm, and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or when you need a touch of nostalgia on your plate. This recipe combines the rich flavors of smoked bacon with the tenderness of vegetables and nutritious beans, offering a perfect balance of tastes and textures. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, this soup will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 800 grams of beans (you can use canned beans for a quick dish)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 bunch of lovage (preferably fresh, but frozen is a good alternative)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 100 grams of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 200 grams of smoked bacon, diced
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying
Step by step for the perfect soup
1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Dice the onion, cut the carrots and parsnip into rounds or cubes. The red bell pepper can be sliced into thin strips. These preparations will ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture in the soup.
2. Frying the onion
In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and fry it until it becomes golden and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will give a sweet and aromatic flavor to your soup.
3. Adding the flour
Once the onion is fried, add the 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix well to combine the ingredients and let the flour fry for a minute or two to eliminate the raw flour taste. This step will help thicken the soup and give it a creamier texture.
4. Incorporating the tomato paste
Add the tomato paste to the onion and flour mixture, mixing well to combine. This ingredient will add depth of flavor and vibrant color to your soup.
5. Adding water and vegetables
Pour about 1.5 liters of water into the pot (or enough to cover the vegetables) and stir well. Add the chopped vegetables (bell pepper, carrots, and parsnip) and the smoked bacon. These ingredients will bring additional flavor and a rustic character to the soup.
6. Boiling the soup
After adding all the ingredients, add the cooked beans (if using canned beans, make sure to rinse them well beforehand) and season with salt and thyme. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, covering the pot with a lid. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
7. Finishing the soup
When the vegetables are cooked and the flavors have melded, turn off the heat and add the chopped lovage (if using frozen lovage, make sure it is well thawed). Mix well and let the soup rest for a few minutes for the flavors to integrate.
8. Serving
The smoked bacon bean soup is served hot and can be accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or croutons for added crunch. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil at the end for a perfect taste.
Practical tips
- Beans: If you prefer to use dried beans, make sure to soak them for a few hours and then boil them until soft before adding them to the soup.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of smoked meat or even add a few cubes of bacon for an even more intense flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like celery or zucchini to diversify the texture and flavor of the soup.
- Storing the soup: The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen for later use.
Nutritional benefits
Bean soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins, thanks to the content of vegetables and beans. While delicious, smoked bacon also adds a portion of fats, so it's best to consume it in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans are an excellent choice for a quick dish. Make sure to rinse them well before use.
- How can I thicken the soup if it is too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can add a tablespoon of flour mixed with a bit of cold water and stir well, letting it boil for a few minutes.
- What drinks pair well with this soup?
A cold blonde beer or a dry white wine pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the soup. Additionally, an herbal tea can provide a refreshing note.
Smoked bacon bean soup is not just a delicious dish, but also a wonderful way to bring the family together. Each spoonful brings not only a savory taste but also a story, a memory, a moment of joy. Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy these beautiful moments!
Ingredients: 800 grams of beans (I bought pre-cooked in a jar), one red bell pepper, one large onion, two carrots, one parsnip, lovage, two tablespoons of flour, 100 grams of tomato paste, thyme, smoked bacon, salt, a little oil for frying.
