Sylvie's Spicy Bean and Bacon Soup

Warm up with the bold, smoky flavors of *Sylvie’s Spicy Bean and Bacon Soup*, a hearty and satisfying option for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe combines the savory richness of crispy thick-cut bacon with the earthy depth of smoked paprika and cumin, complemented by the subtle heat of red pepper flakes. Packed with protein-rich mixed beans, vibrant vegetables, and a comforting broth, it's a perfect balance of spice and heartiness. Customizable to your spice preference with a dash of hot sauce, this one-pot wonder comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra bacon for a touch of freshness and indulgence, this soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, making every bite unforgettable.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 medium carrot
• 2 celery stalks
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 2 15-ounce cans canned mixed beans (drained and rinsed)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 dash optional hot sauce

Directions

Step 1

Chop the bacon into small pieces and place it in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2

Add olive oil to the pot. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, then sauté them in the pot over medium heat until softened, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3

Mince the garlic and stir it into the pot along with smoked paprika, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and stir to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the rinsed mixed beans, chicken or vegetable stock, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup if you prefer a thicker consistency, or leave it chunky for a rustic style.

Step 8

Stir in the crispy bacon, saving a few pieces for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding hot sauce if desired.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and reserved bacon, and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2695.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1619.3

Total Fat 68.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 72.2mg	0%
Sodium 9085.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 183.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 56.2g	0%
Total Sugars 32.5g
Protein 71.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 582.2mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 4031.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.6%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 44.9%