A cozy, hearty, one-pot soup packed with creamy cannellini beans, smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and bright tarragon. Ready in under an hour, this nourishing soup is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a comforting weeknight meal. Highly customizable, easy to make, and full of flavor in every spoonful.
2canscannellini beans, drained and rinsed15 oz cans
14ozSmoked bacon, diced
1largeonion, diced (brown or white)
2largecarrots, diced
2celerystalks, finely chopped
1smallred bell pepper, finely chopped
1tsppaprika
salttotaste
1generoushandful fresh tarragon, finely choppedor 1 ½ tsp dry tarragon
3tbspapple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
8cupswater (or broth)
Instructions
Cook the bacon
Add the diced smoked bacon to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the fat renders and the bacon starts to crisp. Stir occasionally so it cooks evenly.
14 oz Smoked bacon, diced
Add the vegetables
Stir in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
1 large onion, diced (brown or white), 2 large carrots, diced, 2 celery stalks, finely chopped, 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
Season
Add the paprika and a small pinch of salt. Stir well and let the spices cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.
1 tsp paprika, salt to taste
Add beans and water
Add the drained cannellini beans and 8 cups of water. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a gentle boil.
2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, 8 cups water (or broth)
Simmer
Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans directly in the pot.
Finish the soup
If using fresh tarragon remove the leaves from the stems, then finely chop. Or use dry tarragon. Stir in the tarragon and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
1 generous handful fresh tarragon, finely chopped, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
Serve
Serve hot. This soup is great on its own or with crusty bread.
Notes
Storage instructions:
fridge: airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
freezer: freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. thaw in the fridge before re-heating.