Pin When the temperature drops, there is nothing quite as inviting as a simmering pot of Creamy White Bean Soup with Bacon and Rosemary. This dish is a masterclass in comfort, blending the earthy, velvety texture of cannellini beans with the salty, smoky crunch of thick-cut bacon and the piney aroma of fresh rosemary. It is the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like a cozy sanctuary, promising warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Pin This recipe is as practical as it is delicious. By using canned beans and a few staple vegetables, you can have a hearty, restaurant-quality soup on the table in under an hour. It is a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you need something nourishing but don't want to spend hours at the stove. The combination of simple preparation and high-impact flavor makes it a reliable staple for any home cook's rotation.
Ingredients
- Meats: 150 g (5 oz) thick-cut bacon, diced
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Beans: 2 cans (400 g / 14 oz each) cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed
- Liquids: 1 liter (4 cups) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary); 1 bay leaf; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Salt, to taste
- Garnish: Extra olive oil, for drizzling; Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot.
- Step 2
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, until softened.
- Step 3
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add the drained beans, broth, rosemary, bay leaf, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Step 5
- Remove the rosemary sprigs and bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until creamy. (Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and blend carefully, then return to the pot.)
- Step 6
- Stir in the heavy cream and most of the cooked bacon (reserve some for serving). Simmer for 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 7
- Serve hot, garnished with reserved bacon, a drizzle of olive oil, and chopped parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To get the best results, ensure you cook the vegetables in the reserved bacon fat to build a deep flavor foundation. If you are using a standard blender to puree the soup, work in small batches and be very careful with the hot liquid; leaving the small cap on the blender lid slightly open can help steam escape safely.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth, adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. You can also swap cannellini beans for great northern beans or navy beans depending on what you have in your pantry.
Serviervorschläge
This soup is best served piping hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping. For a beautiful presentation, reserve the crispest bits of bacon to sprinkle on top just before serving, along with a swirl of olive oil and a dash of fresh parsley.
Pin This Creamy White Bean Soup with Bacon and Rosemary is more than just a meal; it is a reliable source of comfort for any chilly day. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it an accessible luxury that you will find yourself making time and time again. Enjoy the velvety texture and the perfect balance of herbs and smoke in every bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve a creamy texture?
Puree the soup thoroughly using an immersion blender or standard blender until smooth, then stir in cream for richness.
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead. Adding smoked paprika helps introduce a smoky depth.
- → What beans work best in this dish?
Cannellini or navy beans are ideal for their creamy texture, but great northern beans can also be used as a substitute.
- → How should the soup be garnished?
Top with reserved crispy bacon, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
- → Is this soup suitable for gluten-sensitive diets?
Yes, it is gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and bacon. Always check labels to ensure safety.
