Description
Rustic White Bean & Smoked Beef Soup is a hearty, comforting soup combining tender white beans with rich, smoky beef. This flavorful and nutritious dish is easy to prepare using pantry staples and perfect for chilly days or family gatherings, delivering a warm, satisfying meal filled with fiber and protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Meat
- 1 cup dried white beans (navy or cannellini)
- 8 oz smoked beef brisket, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Beans: Start by soaking your dried white beans in cold water overnight or for at least 6 hours. This softens them for a creamy texture and reduces cooking time.
- Prepare the Smoked Beef: While the beans soak, slice the smoked beef into bite-sized pieces. If using a larger smoked brisket, trim off excess fat to balance richness.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Beans, Beef, and Broth: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot, along with the smoked beef. Pour in enough broth to cover everything by about an inch. Stir in bay leaves and thyme.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. The beans should be tender and the flavors deeply melded.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove bay leaves, taste the soup, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Use soaked beans to cut cooking time and ensure even texture without falling apart.
- Simmer gently and slowly to develop deep flavors and tenderize the beef.
- Skim excess fat from the surface to keep broth clean and balanced.
- Use homemade broth if possible for richer, nuanced flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper last to perfect the flavor after maturation.
- Prep Time: 6 hours (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: rustic soup, white bean soup, smoked beef soup, comfort food, hearty soup, gluten free soup, autumn recipe, winter meal
