Swedish Bean And Bacon Soup
A hearty Swedish bean and bacon soup with savory flavors of bacon, cabbage, and spices, perfect for cozy meals and satisfying hungry appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a 5-quart pot over medium heat for 5 minutes or until crisp.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat.
- Saute onion in the fat for 4 minutes or until soft.
- Add chicken broth plus 1 extra cup of water, carrots, bacon, marjoram, allspice, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and boil gently for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Discard bay leaf.
- Serve topped with sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be a convenient substitution. You can also swap in other beans like black beans or pinto beans if you prefer. To enhance the soup's richness, add a splash of cream just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For an extra heartiness, consider serving it alongside a side of Chicken Okowa or over rice for a filling family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave space in the container as it will expand.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Bean And Bacon Soup contains roughly 1879 calories, with 33g protein, 283g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (142% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 887mg per serving (39% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may want to add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor that bacon would provide.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to the soup, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce while simmering. You can also add chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick or substitute some of the beans with spicy black beans.
Can I use canned beans, and how do I prepare them?
Yes, using canned beans is convenient and saves time. Simply drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the pot. This removes excess sodium and improves the overall flavor of the soup. Canned beans are ready to eat, so they only need to be heated through in the soup.
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).