If you're looking for a tasty and filling soup that won't break the calorie bank, look no further than 1 cup (265.0 ml) of bean with bacon soup. With only 106 calories per serving, it's a great meal option for weight watchers and health enthusiasts alike.

This soup is also packed with nutritious ingredients, including beans, bacon, carrots, and celery. Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, while bacon adds a burst of flavor that will keep your taste buds satisfied. Plus, the veggies provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of this high-protein soup, how to prepare it, and some tasty variations and pairings to make it even more satisfying.

Calories per Serving

As mentioned earlier, one cup (265.0 ml) of bean with bacon soup contains only 106 calories. That's a great calorie bargain for a hearty and filling meal option.

Ingredients List

To make bean with bacon soup, you'll need:

• 2 cans of navy beans
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Healthy Benefits

Bean with bacon soup is a healthy and nutritious meal option that provides several benefits, including:

• High in protein and fiber from the beans
• Contains vitamins and minerals from the carrots, celery, and onion
• Low-calorie for those watching their weight
• Gluten-free for those with gluten sensitivities
• A satisfying and filling meal option that can curb hunger for hours

How to Prepare

To make bean with bacon soup, follow these simple steps:

1. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add olive oil to the pot and sauté onion, celery, and carrot until softened.
3. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Add beans, chicken stock, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Remove bay leaf and puree half of the soup in a blender or food processor. Return puree to the pot and stir to combine.
6. Crumble bacon into the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

High-Protein Meal

One of the biggest benefits of bean with bacon soup is that it's a high-protein meal option. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it can also help keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals. One cup (265.0 ml) of this soup contains about 9 grams of protein, which is about 18% of the daily recommended intake for adults.

Rich Flavor

Another great thing about bean with bacon soup is its rich and savory flavor. The bacon adds a smoky and salty taste that complements the mild flavor of the beans and vegetables. You can also play around with seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile, as we'll discuss later in this article.

Soup Variations

While bean with bacon soup is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier soup.
• Use ham instead of bacon for a different flavor twist.
• Add some spicy heat with chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• Top with shredded cheese or sour cream for an extra indulgence.

Seasoning Suggestions

As mentioned earlier, you can experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile for bean with bacon soup. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Garlic powder or fresh garlic for added savory flavor.
• Thyme or rosemary for a touch of herbaceousness.
• Smoked paprika for a richer, smokier flavor.
• Black pepper for some added heat.

Soup Pairings

Bean with bacon soup is a great foundation for a hearty and satisfying meal, and there are many pairings that can complement its rich and savory flavor. Here are some pairing ideas to try:

• A crusty loaf of bread for dipping and sopping up the soup.
• A side salad or roasted vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal.
• A grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort food combo.
• A glass of red wine or beer to complement the rich and savory flavors.

Soup Brands

If you're short on time or don't feel like making your own bean with bacon soup from scratch, there are many brands that offer this classic soup option. Some top brands to try include:

• Campbell's Bean with Bacon Soup
• Progresso White Bean and Bacon Soup
• Organic Valley Bean with Bacon Soup
• Wolfgang Puck Old Fashioned Bean with Bacon Soup