Hearty Bean and Bacon Chowder
Indulge in this comforting Hearty Bean and Bacon Chowder that perfectly combines the rich flavors of bacon and navy beans, simmered to perfection with aromatic vegetables. This classic dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner, providing warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of this savory delight.
4
Servings
375
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried navy beans
1 lb (Soaked in water overnight or using the quick soak method)
bacon
6 slices (Thick slices from butcher, chopped into pieces)
celery
1/3 cup (Chopped)
carrot
1/3 cup (Chopped)
onion
1/3 cup (Chopped)
chicken or beef stock
5 cups
celery salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until browned but still tender. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving two tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot.
2
Add the chopped celery, carrots, and onions to the pot. Sauté the vegetables in the bacon fat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the soaked navy beans to the pot along with the cooked bacon and 5 cups of chicken or beef stock.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5
Season the chowder to taste with celery salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6
Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread and butter, for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
47.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Bean and Bacon Chowder?
It is a comforting, savory soup made with dried navy beans, bacon, and a trio of aromatic vegetables simmered in chicken or beef stock.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What kind of beans are used in this chowder?
The recipe uses 1 lb of dried navy beans.
Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
Yes, the beans should be soaked in water overnight or prepared using the quick soak method prior to starting the recipe.
What type of bacon should I buy?
The recipe recommends using six thick slices of bacon from a butcher, chopped into pieces.
Which stock is better: chicken or beef?
Both work well; chicken stock offers a lighter flavor while beef stock provides a deeper, richer base. You can use 5 cups of either.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The chowder includes a 1/3 cup each of chopped celery, carrots, and onions.
How long does the chowder need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should cover and simmer it for about 1 1/2 hours.
How many calories are in a serving of this chowder?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, each serving provides about 17.5g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are approximately 12.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 47.5g of carbohydrates.
What seasonings are used for the final flavor?
The chowder is seasoned with celery salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What should I serve with the Hearty Bean and Bacon Chowder?
It is best served with crusty bread and butter to soak up the savory liquid.
Do I drain the bacon fat after cooking the bacon?
You should reserve two tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot to sauté the vegetables, which adds extra flavor.
Can I substitute navy beans with another type?
While navy beans are classic for this recipe, you can substitute them with Great Northern beans or Cannellini beans if needed.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large soup pot, making for easy cleanup.
How do I know when the beans are finished cooking?
The beans are done when they are tender to the bite and the flavors have fully melded together.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
You can use turkey bacon, but you may need to add a little oil or butter to the pot since turkey bacon produces very little fat for sautéing.
Is this chowder suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, its hearty nature and comforting flavors make it an ideal choice for a cozy family meal.
How many total ingredients are used in the recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: navy beans, bacon, celery, carrot, onion, stock, celery salt, and pepper.
Can I use vegetable stock?
Yes, you can use vegetable stock, though the flavor will be slightly different than the chicken or beef options suggested.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, bean-based soups generally freeze very well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the chowder?
Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
Why do I sauté the vegetables in bacon fat?
Sautéing the vegetables in the reserved bacon fat helps to build a deep, smoky flavor profile right at the beginning of the cooking process.
Is celery salt necessary?
Celery salt adds a specific savory depth that complements the navy beans, but you can use regular salt if you don't have it.
Can I add more vegetables like potatoes?
Yes, adding diced potatoes is a common way to make the chowder even heartier, though it may require a little extra stock.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, you should always check the label on your stock and celery salt to ensure they contain no gluten additives.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
It takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes for the celery, carrots, and onions to become softened and fragrant.