Simple white bean and bacon soup
- Prepare
- less than 30 mins
- Cook
- 10 to 30 mins
- Serve
- Serves 4
This 5-ingredient white bean and bacon soup is so simple to make. Perfect for a thrifty and filling lunch or dinner any day of the week.
In November 2023, this recipe was costed at an average of £1 per portion when checking prices at four UK supermarkets. The recipe is designed to be made in conjunction with a low-cost store-cupboard.
Ingredients
- bacon: 150g/5½oz smoked streaky bacon, cut into 1cm/½in wide pieces
- garlic: 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- cannellini beans: 2 x 400g tins cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- chicken stock: 1.2 litres/2 pints hot chicken stock, made from stock cubes
- 200g/7oz bag shredded greens
Method
Fry the bacon and garlic together in a large saucepan for 5 minutes until the bacon has started to crisp. Add the beans and stock and simmer for 10 minutes. Using a potato masher, crush the beans lightly, ensuring some remain whole.
Add the greens and cook for a further 3–4 minutes before ladling into serving bowls. Serve immediately.
Recipe tips
Try adding other ingredients to the soup depending on what you have in the fridge. Diced carrots and potatoes work well or swap the greens for green beans that have been cut into 2cm/¾in lengths. To boost the flavours, add dried rosemary, a pinch of chilli flakes or sprinkle some grated Parmesan over each bowl.
