Save A comforting, velvety soup featuring tender white beans, smoky bacon, and fragrant rosemary—perfect for chilly days. This rich and savory dish combines the heartiness of cannellini beans with the irresistible crunch of thick-cut bacon, creating a warming meal that comes together in under an hour.
Save This recipe is a masterclass in building flavor. By starting with crisping the bacon and using that rendered fat to soften the mirepoix, you ensure every spoonful is infused with smoky goodness. The fresh rosemary provides an earthy fragrance that perfectly complements the mild, buttery beans.
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); 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
For the best texture, ensure you remove the woody rosemary sprigs before blending. If you prefer a chunkier soup, only blend half of the bean mixture to keep some whole beans for contrast. Using a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven helps prevent the bottom from scorching during the simmering process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth; add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. You can also swap cannellini beans for great northern beans if preferred. To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or simply omit it, as the blended beans provide significant creaminess.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this soup with crusty bread or garlic crostini for a heartier meal. A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a nice acidic contrast to the rich, creamy soup. Garnish generously with the reserved bacon and fresh parsley right before serving.
Save This Gluten-Free Creamy White Bean Soup with Bacon and Rosemary is a versatile and elegant dish that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort. Enjoy it hot for a satisfying dinner that feels both rustic and refined.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Adding smoked paprika can provide a subtle smoky flavor.
- → What beans work best for this soup?
Cannellini or navy beans offer a creamy texture and mild flavor, but great northern beans are a good alternative.
- → How do I achieve the creamy texture?
Puree the cooked soup using an immersion blender or stand blender until smooth, then stir in cream for richness.
- → Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
- → What garnishes complement this soup?
Crisp bacon bits, a drizzle of olive oil, and chopped fresh parsley add color and texture contrast.