Soups and broths are among the best comfort foods for this time of the year. The recipe we are sharing with you today is packed with flavor and substance, making it perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a hearty, soul-warming meal. Let’s make this delicious Brazilian-style black bean or pinto bean soup with bacon!
Ingredients for this Bean Soup with Bacon:
- 1.75 lbs (approx. 800g) cooked beans, unseasoned (we recommend pinto or carioca beans, but black beans work great too);
- 1/2 onion, finely diced;
- 2 cloves garlic, minced;
- Salt to taste;
- 3.5 oz (100g) bacon, diced;
- Reserved bean cooking liquid (adjust based on your preferred consistency—less for a thick soup, more for a thinner broth);
- Fresh parsley and scallions, chopped to taste.
How to make the Bean Soup with Bacon:
- In a large pot, fry the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Once the fat has rendered, add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until lightly golden.
- Turn off the heat and set the pot aside.
- In a blender, combine about 1.3 lbs (600g) of the cooked beans with some of the cooking liquid and blend until smooth. Keep the remaining beans whole.
- Return to your pot with the bacon, garlic, and onion mixture.
- Add the reserved whole beans to the pot and mix well.
- Pour the blended bean mixture into the pot.
- Bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust salt carefully, remembering that the bacon already adds saltiness.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and scallions. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes and remove from heat.
- Enjoy your meal!
Serving Suggestion:
This soup is perfect served with crispy pork rinds (torresmo), toasted bread, a side of sautéed collard greens, and a nice glass of red wine.
Did you know?
Beans are incredibly nutrient-dense and offer numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. Key benefits include supporting heart health, regulating blood sugar levels, and managing cholesterol.
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