Green bean soup with smoked bacon – a comforting and flavorful recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6
In every season, a warm soup is an excellent choice for a healthy and hearty meal. Green bean soup with smoked bacon is a delicious recipe that combines the rich flavors of the ingredients, offering not only a distinctive taste but also a pleasant texture. This soup is perfect to be served on a cool day, alongside a slice of fresh bread or with a spoonful of sour cream, adding a touch of creaminess.
A brief story about soup
Green bean soup is a dish that dates back centuries, being an excellent way to utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients. In many cultures, soups have been used not only to house ingredients but also to bring people together at the table. Smoked bacon adds a hint of smokiness and depth, transforming a simple soup into a true feast.
Necessary ingredients
1 kg of green beans, washed, with ends snapped off and each pod broken into 2-3 pieces
150 g of smoked bacon, finely chopped
1 onion, peeled and washed
1 bell pepper, peeled and washed
1 small celery, peeled and washed
2 carrots, peeled and washed
1 peeled tomato
5 small cloves of garlic, peeled and washed
1 bay leaf
A few sprigs of thyme
A bunch of parsley, washed
2 tablespoons of flour
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 liters of warm water
Step-by-step preparation of the soup
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion, cutting the celery and carrots into small cubes, and the bell pepper into thin strips. The tomato is diced, and the greens are finely chopped. Crush the garlic to release its aroma.
2. Sautéing the bacon: In a large pot, add the smoked bacon. Heat the stove over medium heat and stir, allowing the bacon to brown slightly. This step will release the fat and flavors from the meat, providing a delicious base for the soup.
3. Adding the vegetables: Once the bacon is browned, add the chopped onion. Stir and let it sauté until the onion becomes translucent. This step is essential for developing flavors.
4. Including the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix vigorously, being careful not to let it brown. The flour will help thicken the soup and contribute to a silky texture.
5. Seasoning: Add the sweet paprika and mix again. This spice brings a hint of color and a sweet taste, perfect for balancing the intense flavors of the bacon.
6. Pouring in the water: Gradually add 2 liters of warm water, stirring well to avoid lumps. Let the soup come to a boil, then add the celery, carrot, and bell pepper. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Green beans and spices: After 5 minutes, add the green beans and the bay leaf. Let everything boil until the beans soften. This step will take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the freshness of the beans.
8. Finalizing: When the beans are soft, add the thyme, tomato, and crushed garlic. Season with salt and pepper, tasting to adjust the flavors. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
9. Serving: Once the soup is ready, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and turn off the stove. Serve hot, plain or with a spoonful of sour cream, to add a touch of creaminess.
Helpful tips for a perfect result
- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients makes a difference in culinary preparations. Choose crisp green beans and high-quality smoked bacon.
- Experiment with spices: If you like a spicier taste, you can add a chopped chili pepper. You can also replace thyme with dill for a different note.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables such as zucchini or potatoes, thus adapting the recipe to your preferences.
Nutritional benefits
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health. Smoked bacon, while adding flavor, is higher in fat, so use it in moderation to maintain a healthy balance.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, frozen green beans are an excellent option. They are usually blanched, preserving their nutrients.
- How can I store the soup? This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for later use.
- What drinks pair well with this soup? A hearty soup like this pairs well with a dry white wine or fresh lemonade.
Green bean soup with smoked bacon is ideal for days when you need comfort and a warm family meal. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish. Don't forget to share the recipe with friends, perhaps even organizing a cooking night together. Enjoy your meal!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6
In every season, a warm soup is an excellent choice for a healthy and hearty meal. Green bean soup with smoked bacon is a delicious recipe that combines the rich flavors of the ingredients, offering not only a distinctive taste but also a pleasant texture. This soup is perfect to be served on a cool day, alongside a slice of fresh bread or with a spoonful of sour cream, adding a touch of creaminess.
A brief story about soup
Green bean soup is a dish that dates back centuries, being an excellent way to utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients. In many cultures, soups have been used not only to house ingredients but also to bring people together at the table. Smoked bacon adds a hint of smokiness and depth, transforming a simple soup into a true feast.
Necessary ingredients
1 kg of green beans, washed, with ends snapped off and each pod broken into 2-3 pieces
150 g of smoked bacon, finely chopped
1 onion, peeled and washed
1 bell pepper, peeled and washed
1 small celery, peeled and washed
2 carrots, peeled and washed
1 peeled tomato
5 small cloves of garlic, peeled and washed
1 bay leaf
A few sprigs of thyme
A bunch of parsley, washed
2 tablespoons of flour
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 liters of warm water
Step-by-step preparation of the soup
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion, cutting the celery and carrots into small cubes, and the bell pepper into thin strips. The tomato is diced, and the greens are finely chopped. Crush the garlic to release its aroma.
2. Sautéing the bacon: In a large pot, add the smoked bacon. Heat the stove over medium heat and stir, allowing the bacon to brown slightly. This step will release the fat and flavors from the meat, providing a delicious base for the soup.
3. Adding the vegetables: Once the bacon is browned, add the chopped onion. Stir and let it sauté until the onion becomes translucent. This step is essential for developing flavors.
4. Including the flour: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix vigorously, being careful not to let it brown. The flour will help thicken the soup and contribute to a silky texture.
5. Seasoning: Add the sweet paprika and mix again. This spice brings a hint of color and a sweet taste, perfect for balancing the intense flavors of the bacon.
6. Pouring in the water: Gradually add 2 liters of warm water, stirring well to avoid lumps. Let the soup come to a boil, then add the celery, carrot, and bell pepper. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Green beans and spices: After 5 minutes, add the green beans and the bay leaf. Let everything boil until the beans soften. This step will take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the freshness of the beans.
8. Finalizing: When the beans are soft, add the thyme, tomato, and crushed garlic. Season with salt and pepper, tasting to adjust the flavors. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
9. Serving: Once the soup is ready, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and turn off the stove. Serve hot, plain or with a spoonful of sour cream, to add a touch of creaminess.
Helpful tips for a perfect result
- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients makes a difference in culinary preparations. Choose crisp green beans and high-quality smoked bacon.
- Experiment with spices: If you like a spicier taste, you can add a chopped chili pepper. You can also replace thyme with dill for a different note.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables such as zucchini or potatoes, thus adapting the recipe to your preferences.
Nutritional benefits
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health. Smoked bacon, while adding flavor, is higher in fat, so use it in moderation to maintain a healthy balance.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, frozen green beans are an excellent option. They are usually blanched, preserving their nutrients.
- How can I store the soup? This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for later use.
- What drinks pair well with this soup? A hearty soup like this pairs well with a dry white wine or fresh lemonade.
Green bean soup with smoked bacon is ideal for days when you need comfort and a warm family meal. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish. Don't forget to share the recipe with friends, perhaps even organizing a cooking night together. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
1 kg of washed green beans, with the ends snapped off and each pod broken into 2-3 pieces, 150 g of smoked bacon, finely chopped, cleaned and washed onion, a cleaned and washed bell pepper, small cleaned and washed celery, 2 cleaned and washed carrots, peeled tomato, 5 small cloves of garlic, cleaned and washed, bay leaf, a few sprigs of thyme, a bunch of washed parsley, 2 tablespoons of flour, a teaspoon of sweet paprika, salt, freshly ground pepper, 2 liters of warm water.