Bean And Canadian Bacon Soup
A hearty bean and Canadian bacon soup with savory flavors, perfect for comforting meals, especially suitable for chilly days or when craving a filling, protein-rich dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot; add diced carrot and onion and sauté about 5 minutes.
- Add diced Canadian bacon; sauté 5 minutes longer.
- Add dry Great Northern beans, chicken broth, oregano, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- refrigerate the soup a day before serving for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of white wine while sautéing the vegetables. If you can't find Great Northern beans, navy beans or cannellini beans make excellent substitutes. To save time, use canned beans; just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This soup can also be made with leftover ham instead of Canadian bacon for a heartier version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside D-Lish Chicken Breasts or a light pasta dish. This versatile soup makes an excellent starter for any fall or winter gathering.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean And Canadian Bacon Soup contains roughly 1245 calories, with 20g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (189% of the Daily Value), and iron (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1362mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables and Canadian bacon in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the beans, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread for dipping or a side salad to balance the meal. For a heartier option, pair it with a sandwich or a slice of quiche. You might also enjoy it alongside Cream Of Butternut Squash And Leek Soup for a comforting meal.
How do I know when the beans are fully cooked?
The beans are fully cooked when they are tender and easily mashed between your fingers or with a fork. If they are still firm after 1.5 hours, continue simmering and check every 10-15 minutes. Make sure to keep the soup covered to prevent too much liquid from evaporating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).