Creamy white beans, crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and herbs create a hearty and satisfying soup.
# Components:
→ Meat
01 - 6 slices bacon, chopped
→ Vegetables
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 - Fresh parsley or spinach, chopped (optional for garnish)
→ Seasonings
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley
11 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
→ Liquids
14 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
15 - 3/4 cup half and half
→ Pantry
16 - 2 cans (19 oz each) white kidney beans, rinsed
17 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
→ Cheese
18 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
# Method Steps:
01 - Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.
02 - Add carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion softens and begins to caramelize. If excess fat remains, use a paper towel to carefully absorb extra grease.
03 - Introduce minced garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth, scraping all browned bits from the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
05 - In a blender, combine 3/4 cup of the rinsed beans with half and half and blend until completely smooth.
06 - Add the remaining whole beans, crisp bacon, and the bean puree to the pot. Stir thoroughly. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
07 - Fold in freshly grated Parmesan and optional parsley or spinach. Taste and modify seasoning as needed.
08 - For extra thickness, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons half and half or water. Stir into the soup while simmering.
