Squash and White Bean Soup

When it comes to the cold Fall, Winter months, I love to create soups that are warm and hearty. I know white beans aren’t all that exciting to work with but I found that pairing it with more flavorful ingredients you can really make the most of just plain white beans.

I’ll be the first to admit that working with white beans is a bit odd. But on a chilly fall day I was craving a filling soup. On my way to the supermarket I walk by a stand in the city filled with all kinds of pumpkins and squash. that’s when I thought why not a squash soup?! It’s filling and simple. This is the kind of soup that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. Being the bacon lover that I am I topped it off with crispy cooked bacon and a squeeze of lemon juice to elevate all the mellow squash flavors, Feel free to make this completely vegetarian by skipping the bacon bits.

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Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 40 min

Yields 6-8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white onion

• 1 cup carrots

• 1 cup celery

• 2 bunches fresh thyme

• 1 bunch rosemary

• 5 cloves whole garlic

• 1 cup low sodium bacon

• 1 Medium size Kabocha Squash (medium diced)

• 1 medium size Butternut Squash (medium diced)

• 8oz White beans (canned)

• 32 oz Vegetable stock

• 2 Tablespoons kosher salt

• 1/2 Tablespoon garlic salt

• 1/2 Tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 Tablespoon fresh black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

• 1/4 tablespoon ground oinion powder

• 2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 2 Tablespoon tomato sauce

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 oz olive oil

• 2 cups water

Method:

1. Start by cutting all of the vegetables to big medium diced, all uniformed size

2. Next, bring a big soup pot to a medium high heat, add the bacon and render until crispy golden brown.

3. Once the bacon is cooked take it out and place on a paper napkin, save for garnish.

4. In the same pot add the olive oil and begin to sauté the carrots, onions, garlic and celery until the vegetables are translucent.

5. Add the spices and herbs, cook for about 5 min.

6. Add the remaining ingredients beans, squash, tomato sauce etc. and bring everything to a boil.

7. Once boiling reduce the heat to a medium and let simmer for 30 mins.

8. Once 30 mins have passed check for seasoning and make any adjustments, if needed.

9. Finish by garnishing with crispy bacon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

10. Enjoy!