Teresa's Recipes
Hearty Pinto Bean and Bacon Soup
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Pinto Bean and Bacon Soup, a soul-warming dish that harmoniously blends the creamy richness of pinto beans with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. Drawing from the roots of traditional Southern cuisine, where beans and bacon symbolize warmth and hospitality, this hearty soup is perfect for cold evenings or cozy gatherings. With a medley of vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, each spoonful brings you home, evoking memories of family dinners and cherished moments around the table.
Ingredients
- 6 strips, chopped Bacon
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 medium, diced Carrots
- 2 stalks, diced Celery
- 1 cup, dried (soaked overnight) Pinto beans
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (to taste) Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (to taste) Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the rendered bacon grease behind, and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables in the bacon grease until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the soaked and drained pinto beans, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will create a thick, creamy consistency while still retaining some texture.
- Return the pureed soup to the heat and stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the pinto bean and bacon soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce while the soup simmers.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.