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Cozy Farmhouse Bean Soup

Kitchen Spotlight Big pots of steaming, hearty soup.

A filling, stew-like soup featuring red beans, smoky bacon, and pasta in a tomato-infused broth. Perfectly satisfying.
alicia in the kitchen
Recipe by Alicia
Fresh from the kitchen: Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:45:25 GMT
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A bowl of colorful soup with vegetables, beans, and herbs, served alongside bread on a wooden table. Save for Later
A bowl of colorful soup with vegetables, beans, and herbs, served alongside bread on a wooden table. | Tasteofsavor.com

A hearty red bean soup has been at the heart of my family's kitchen for generations. This cherished recipe, passed down from my grandmother, has evolved over time while keeping its comforting essence. On cold winter evenings, the rich aroma wafting from the pot never fails to bring everyone eagerly to the table.

A Bowl of Comfort

This warming soup is perfect for when temperatures drop. The magic lies in how the creamy red beans meld with the slow-simmered homemade broth. Though simple in preparation, each spoonful carries the essence of tradition and togetherness.

Essential Ingredients

  • 600g red beans: Organic, thoroughly rinsed
  • 2 yellow onions: Firm and fresh
  • 125g bacon lardons: For deep smoky flavor
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil: High-quality extra virgin
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste: For rich color and depth
  • 1 can peeled tomatoes: Italian preferred
  • 700ml broth: Homemade stock
  • Salt and pepper: Freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon Espelette pepper: For gentle heat
  • 2 large tomatoes: Ripe and fragrant
  • 1 small white onion: For sweetness
  • 150g pasta: Small shapes work best

Cooking Method

Initial Preparation
Rinse beans thoroughly while dicing onions.
Building Flavors
Render lardons until golden, then add onions to develop aromatics.
Creating the Base
Combine tomatoes, beans, and broth with seasonings for a harmonious blend.
Fresh Additions
Incorporate fresh tomatoes and white onion, simmer for 20 minutes.
Final Touch
Add pasta and cook until perfectly tender.
Un bol de soupe aux haricots garni de persil, avec des morceaux de légumes et de viande, accompagné de pain sur une table en bois. Save for Later
Un bol de soupe aux haricots garni de persil, avec des morceaux de légumes et de viande, accompagné de pain sur une table en bois. | Tasteofsavor.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rustic soup in earthenware bowls alongside warm country bread. Finish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a crisp garden salad for the perfect meal.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

→ Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely, but you'll need to soak them the night before and cook for about an hour first. Canned beans save time if that’s what you need.
→ What kind of pasta works best?
Small shapes like elbows or tiny shells are ideal. Steer clear of long noodles—they’re tricky in a soup.
→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but skip the pasta part when freezing. Just cook fresh pasta when reheating for the best results.
→ How do I adjust the thickness?
For a thinner soup, add more hot broth. If it’s too watery, simmer uncovered a bit longer until it thickens.
→ Can I prepare it in advance?
It’s even tastier the next day! Just skip adding the pasta until serving time to keep it from overcooking.

Farmhouse Bean Soup

A rustic and hearty soup with red beans, smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, and pasta for a filling meal.

Prep Time
45 mins
Time at the Stove
20 mins
Total Time
65 mins
Recipe by: Alicia

Type of Dish: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Beginner Friendly

Style of Cooking: French

Makes: 6 Feeds (2 liters of soup)

Good for: No Dairy

Shopping List

Item 01 600g canned red beans.
Item 02 2 onions.
Item 03 125g bacon bits.
Item 04 3 tablespoons olive oil.
Item 05 4 tablespoons tomato paste.
Item 06 1 can of peeled tomatoes.
Item 07 70cl beef stock.
Item 08 Salt and pepper.
Item 09 1 teaspoon Espelette pepper.
Item 10 2 large fresh tomatoes.
Item 11 1 small white onion.
Item 12 150g pasta.

Let's Cook

Step 01

Drain the red beans using a strainer and rinse them in cold water. Peel and finely chop both onions. Heat the olive oil in a large pot, and sauté the bacon bits until they’re golden. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they soften and turn light golden.

Step 02

In the same pot, add the peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, and beans. Pour in the beef stock and let the soup gently simmer. Season it with salt, pepper, and Espelette pepper for a bit of heat.

Step 03

Peel the large tomatoes, remove the seeds, and dice the flesh into small chunks. Finely chop the white onion. Mix the diced tomatoes and onion into the soup, cover the pot, and let it cook on low for about 20 minutes.

Step 04

Cook the pasta in salted water separately. Stir the cooked pasta into the soup right before serving.

Cook's Tips

  1. The pasta should be added just before you serve.
  2. This soup can be prepared ahead of time but don’t include the pasta until serving.

Kitchen Gear Needed

  • Large pot.
  • Strainer.

Watch Out For

Your safety matters - check these important notes about ingredients
  • Contains gluten (from pasta).

Good to Know (Per Serving)

Numbers are approximate - your results may vary based on specific ingredients used
  • Calories per Serving: 380
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Protein: 18 g