Wednesday, September 26, 2012

mixed bean and bacon soup

Well. Fall is officially here.....and it's not messing around. 
Leaves are slowly falling and temperatures are dropping. We are pulling out jackets and fuzzy socks and rain boots. 
And of course......eating more soup.
www.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.comwww.inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.commixed bean soup
Mixed Bean and Bacon Soup
serves four

1 small onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 1/2 cups prepared beans (about 1 cup of dry beans after soaking. I get the big mixed jar at Costco)
4 slices of bacon (if you are a lover of bacon, use a few slices more)
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups of chopped tomatoes (one 1 can if you don't have fresh)
2 TBS chopped fresh oregano
1 TBS chopped fresh rosemary
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
Using the bacon grease, (add a little olive oil if you need to) saute onion and carrots until they begin to get tender. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for a few minutes more. Salt and pepper to taste.
Add prepared beans, chicken broth, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and crumble the bacon into the soup. 
Bring to a low boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer at least until carrots are tender if you are in a hurry, but I like to simmer my soup for a few hours so all the flavors have plenty of time to dance together. 
Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!
mixed bean soup
Have you had a fall-y week? What soup are you eating?

11 comments:

Hannah Nicole said...

oh, YUM. so delish!

Stef said...

I am obsessed with soup these days! I just made a sausage & white bean one on Sunday that was delicious.

This one looks delicious too!

Ashley said...

The last photo is absolutely fantastic. The colors are so rich + vibrant. I want to dive in.

Zizi said...

So beautiful, heart warming photos! Although I'm vegetarian I still like the recipe (I can make a vegetarian version of it)!

Laura said...

LOVE. I'm with Zizi -- vegetarian version here too. Thank you for the recipe...I've been looking for yummy fall soups.

summer said...

Could that crusty bread look any more mouth-watering??! mm. and fresh herbs, too!
We've been having chicken soup with lentils, peppers, and a little coconut milk stirred in. It's happening about every 5 days on repeat.

Eileen said...

This soup sounds so perfect for cooler weather! Now, if it will only get cool here in CA... :)

Anonymous said...

I love bean soups like this. It looks so comforting!

kylie said...

i have those beans - how long do you soak yours? mine sometimes get too gooey, and others are too crunchy.

kylie said...

:)

Leanne said...

Phoenix seems to not believing in fall, with 100 degree weather...STILL. Curse this evil climate. Envying your lovely leaves and sumptuous soups. Think I'll have to wait another month or 2 at least before I can even think about breaking out the scarves. :(