Southern White Bean Soup Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside.
• STEP 2.In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they are softened.
• STEP 3.Add the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and cook for another minute.
• STEP 4.Add the white beans, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.
• STEP 5.Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some beans whole for texture.
• STEP 6.Stir in the cooked bacon and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
• STEP 7.Serve the Southern White Bean Soup hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Cooking Tips

• Soaking the beans overnight will help reduce the cooking time.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• You can add other vegetables like diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage and Serving

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.