Imagine a soup so rich, so comforting, that it instantly transports you to a cozy British kitchen on a chilly evening. This Butter Bean, Bacon, and Thyme Soup is not just another recipe – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines creamy butter beans, crispy bacon, and aromatic thyme in a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a soul-warming dish to impress your guests, this soup promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can butter beans, drained
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of butter beans, 4 slices of chopped bacon, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 4 cups of chicken stock, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or saucepan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon fat in the pot as it will add flavor to the soup.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Next, add the drained butter beans to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes to heat the beans through.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken stock and add the teaspoon of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of it or skip this step altogether.
- Return the crispy bacon to the pot and stir to combine. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Let the soup heat through for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Serve the Butter Bean, Bacon, and Thyme Soup hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Bacon Magic: For maximum flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's perfectly crispy. The rendered fat is liquid gold for this recipe!
- Bean Brilliance: If possible, use fresh thyme instead of dried. It adds a more vibrant, fresh flavor to the soup.
- Texture Trick: Want a creamier soup? Blend more of the soup. Prefer it chunky? Blend only half or use a potato masher for a rustic texture.
- Stock Selection: Homemade chicken stock will elevate this soup to the next level, but a good-quality store-bought stock works perfectly too.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together.
- Garnish Game: Top with extra crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, or a dollop of cream for an extra luxurious touch.
- Storage Tip: The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to a month, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
