#Post
Title: Cozy Chickpea and White Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Serving size: 4
## Introduction
Looking to whip up a warm and hearty soup that warms up your soul and satisfies your hunger? Chickpea and White Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites is the dish you need. With its robust flavors and comforting texture, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner at home.
## Why Make This Recipe
This soup combines the wholesome nutrients of chickpeas and white beans with the enticing flavors of bacon and sour cream. The beans add a chunky texture and healthy fiber, while the bacon provides a nice crunch and added flavor. The sour cream lends a creamy tang that perfectly balances the dish. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers.
## How to Make Chickpea and White Bean Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
## Ingredients
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
## Directions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chickpeas, white beans, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring soup to boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes for flavors to fuse together.
4. Optional: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, if you prefer.
5. Pour the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkles of crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley for garnish.
## How to Serve Chickpea and White Bean Soup
Serve this hearty soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, and crumbled bacon. It’s perfect with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
## How to Store Chickpea and White Bean Soup
Cool the soup completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to two months.
## Tips to Make Chickpea and White Bean Soup
1. For a creamier soup, blend about half the soup with an immersion blender before adding sour cream and bacon.
2. If you want to make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
## Variations
Swap out the white beans for another type of bean, like Navy or Great Northern beans. For a spicy kick, add a chopped jalapeno or some cayenne pepper.
## FAQs
1. Can I use canned beans?
Yes, both canned chickpeas and canned white beans work great in this recipe.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. How long can I store this soup?
The soup can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to omit the sour cream and bacon, adding them when reheating to serve.