Creamy white beans, bacon, and vegetables blend for a cozy, flavorful, and satisfying bowl.
# Components:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 6 slices bacon or 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
02 - 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery ribs, sliced
04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
06 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 2 cans (19 oz each) white kidney beans, rinsed
08 - 3/4 cup half and half
09 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley
14 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
→ Garnish and Optional Ingredients
17 - Fresh chopped parsley or spinach (optional)
18 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for optional thickening)
19 - 2 tablespoons cream or water (for optional thickening)
# Directions:
01 - In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat, stirring often, until crisp. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
02 - Add sliced carrots, celery, and chopped onion to the rendered bacon fat. Sauté over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and start to brown. If excess fat remains, carefully blot with a paper towel.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic along with salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom to incorporate flavor.
05 - In a blender, combine 3/4 cup of the rinsed white kidney beans with the half and half. Blend until completely smooth.
06 - Add the whole beans, cooked bacon, and blended bean mixture to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until vegetables are fork-tender.
07 - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley or spinach. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
08 - For a thicker consistency, stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 2 tablespoons cream or water until smooth, then add to the soup during simmering and cook until thickened.
