Description
Green Bean & Smoked Meat Vegetable Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish featuring fresh green beans, savory smoked meat, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. Ideal for any season, this soup delivers a rich smoky aroma combined with fresh textures and nutritious ingredients, creating a warm and satisfying meal that is easy to customize according to your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- Fresh green beans, trimmed and washed (about 2 cups)
- Carrots, chopped (1 cup)
- Onions, chopped (1 cup)
- Celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
- Garlic cloves, minced (3 cloves)
Smoked Meat
- Smoked meat (bacon, ham hocks, or smoked sausage), about 8 ounces
Broth & Seasonings
- Chicken or vegetable broth, 6 cups
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), 1-2 teaspoons chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and trim the green beans. Chop carrots, celery, onions, and mince the garlic so everything is ready for cooking.
- Brown the Smoked Meat: In a large pot, sauté the smoked meat over medium heat until it releases its fat and becomes slightly crispy, building the soup’s flavor base.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, enhancing the natural sweetness and depth of the broth.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and herbs like thyme, sauté briefly to unlock their aroma without burning.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the broth to the sautéed ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently to meld flavors.
- Add Green Beans and Cook Through: Add green beans last to retain their bright color and crunch, simmering until tender but not mushy, about 10-15 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Notes
- Choose quality smoked meat for the best depth of flavor.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcook green beans to maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Simmer the soup slowly to allow flavors to deepen naturally while keeping textures intact.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving to preserve their bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: green bean soup, smoked meat soup, hearty vegetable soup, comfort food, gluten free soup, smoked sausage soup, healthy soup
