Sopa Española de Judías con Bacon

Ingredientes

• 6 slices of bacon
• 6 cups (1.5l) vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) of cannellini beans
• 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 red bell pepper
• 3 tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Preparación

1. 1

   Wash the vegetables removing any dirt, and peel...: Wash the vegetables removing any dirt, and peel and dice them. Remove and discard the seeds of the tomatoes and bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves.

2. 2

   Rinse the canned cooked beans under cold water...: Rinse the canned cooked beans under cold water and drain them. Keep in mind that you can use two different types of beans or the same one, it is completely up to you. Also, chop the bacon into small squares.

3. 3

   In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon...: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and releases its fat. Remove some of the bacon bits for garnish and leave the rest in the pot.

4. 4

   Add the chopped onion and garlic to the...: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the bacon and cook until they become soft and translucent.

5. 5

   Add the diced carrots, celery, and red bell...: Add the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

6. 6

   Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt...: Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Cook the easy bean and bacon soup for one more minute to release their flavors.

7. 7

   To continue with this recipe for bean soup...: To continue with this recipe for bean soup add the canned cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together.

8. 8

   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the...: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the Spanish soup to a boil. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

9. 9

   For the next step in this beans soup...: For the next step in this beans soup recipe, remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste the soup and add more seasoning if needed.

10. 10

    Serve the Spanish bacon bean soup hot, garnished...: Serve the Spanish bacon bean soup hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh parsley.