Rustic Tuscan Bean and Bacon Medley
Rediscover comfort in a bowl with this Rustic Tuscan Bean and Bacon Medley! Packed with hearty flavors, this soup combines the richness of slowly simmered beans and the savory goodness of bacon, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. The overnight soaking of dried beans ensures they become tender and absorb all the aromatic flavors from fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfectly blended for a creamy consistency yet still rustic, this soup is finished with fresh tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheese, making it ideal for lunch or a cozy dinner. Serve it with crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience that warms the heart.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Haricot Beans
225 g (Soaked overnight)
Dried Red Kidney Beans
100 g (Soaked overnight)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onion
1 small (Chopped)
Carrot
1 small (Chopped)
Rindless Smoked Bacon
50 g (Finely chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (Finely chopped)
Beef Stock
1150 ml (Ready for use)
Large Tomatoes
2 (Peeled, quartered, and chopped)
Cheese
100 g (Grated, for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried haricot and red kidney beans in a large bowl of cold water overnight to achieve the best texture.
2
The following day, drain the beans and place them in a pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a rapid boil for 3 minutes. Reduce to a simmer for an additional 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3
In a spacious soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and finely chopped bacon. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, allowing the aroma to fill the kitchen.
5
Add the pre-soaked beans along with the beef stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for about 1 hour or until beans are tender.
6
Once the beans are soft, remove half of the soup and carefully blend it until smooth using a food processor or an immersion blender. Return the blended mixture back to the pot and stir well.
7
To prepare the fresh tomatoes, score the bottom with a cross and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds until the skins loosen. Remove from the water, cool slightly to handle, and peel off the skins. Cut the tomatoes into quarters, deseed, and chop the flesh, then add it to the soup.
8
Season your soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference. Allow it to simmer gently for an additional 15 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
9
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and generously sprinkle each serving with grated cheese. Enjoy with your favorite crusty bread on the side!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Tuscan Bean and Bacon Medley?
It is a hearty, comfort-food soup that combines slowly simmered haricot and kidney beans with savory smoked bacon, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
What types of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 225g of dried Haricot beans and 100g of dried Red Kidney beans.
How long should the dried beans be soaked?
The dried beans should be soaked in cold water overnight to achieve the best texture.
What is the first step after soaking the beans?
Drain the beans, cover them with fresh water, bring to a rapid boil for 3 minutes, then simmer for 10 minutes before draining again.
What meat is included in this soup?
The recipe calls for 50g of finely chopped rindless smoked bacon.
What vegetables are needed for the base?
You will need one small chopped onion, one small chopped carrot, and two finely chopped garlic cloves.
How is the soup base prepared?
Sauté the onion, carrot, and bacon in olive oil until the onion is soft, then add the garlic and cook for one more minute.
What type of stock is used for the liquid base?
The recipe requires 1150ml of beef stock.
How long do the beans simmer in the stock?
The beans should simmer in the stock for about 1 hour or until they are tender.
How do I achieve a creamy yet rustic consistency?
Remove half of the soup once the beans are soft, blend it until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
What tools can be used to blend the soup?
You can use either a food processor or an immersion blender to smooth out half of the soup.
How are the tomatoes prepared for the soup?
Score the bottoms, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, peel off the skins, deseed, and chop the flesh.
When are the fresh tomatoes added?
The chopped tomatoes are added to the pot after the blended portion of the soup has been returned.
How is the soup seasoned?
It is seasoned generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How long is the final simmer?
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15 minutes after adding the tomatoes to let the flavors meld.
What is the recommended garnish?
Each serving should be generously sprinkled with 100g of grated cheese.
What side dish pairs well with this soup?
It is best enjoyed with your favorite crusty bread on the side for an authentic Italian experience.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, though it requires preparation time for soaking the beans.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features savory bacon, aromatic garlic and onions, and the earthy richness of simmered beans.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: Haricot beans, kidney beans, olive oil, onion, carrot, bacon, garlic, beef stock, tomatoes, and cheese.
Can this soup be served for lunch?
Yes, it is ideal for either a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner.
What is the origin style of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Tuscan-style Italian cuisine.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
What type of cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies grated cheese, allowing you to choose your favorite variety to top the soup.
Why must the beans be boiled rapidly for 3 minutes?
Rapid boiling is a standard safety and preparation step for certain dried beans to ensure they are safe to eat and have the right texture.
What size should the tomatoes be?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 large tomatoes.
What does 'scoring the bottom' of a tomato mean?
It means cutting a small cross into the skin at the base to make peeling easier after blanching.
Is the bacon smoked or unsmoked?
The recipe specifically calls for rindless smoked bacon.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic.
What makes this soup 'rustic'?
The combination of whole beans, hand-prepped vegetables, and the process of blending only half the soup creates a chunky, traditional texture.