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Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and White Beans



I could not sleep last night. Let me rephrase that. I fell asleep at 8:00 pm last night… So, I woke up at 3:00 am wide eyed and bushy tailed. Just before waking I dreamt up this lovely brew and promptly began its creation hours before the sun came up. Obsessed, anyone? 

Oh, the thought of it: sizzling bacon, sweet butternut squash and soft white beans simmering together in perfect harmony. It is almost naughty, like Three’s Company without the annoying neighbor to spoil the revelry. Blending half of the soup creates a creamy contrast that you can’t deny. Come in, take off your coat and join the party. 

Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and White Beans


Ingredients:
  • 3 thick bacon slices, chopped
  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large white onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans of cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups organic, low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 sprig of thyme, chopped
  • 3 sage leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp. sugar in the raw
Directions: 
  1. In a large heavy pot, sauté bacon on medium heat until it is crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain and leave the drippings in the pan. 
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden, about 5-10 minutes. Stir in the butternut squash and garlic and cook until gently browned. Add chicken broth; bring to boil. Stir in rinsed beans, diced tomatoes, sugar, fresh herbs and spices. Salt and pepper to taste. 
  3. When the vegetables are soft, ladle 1/3 of the soup in to a blender and pulsate until smooth. Return the puree to the pot. Cover and simmer until the flavors blend, about 15 minutes. 
  4. Check the seasonings and adjust if necessary. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped bacon and serve.


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Comments

  1. S.V.October 11, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    This soup sounds fantastic.... I love everything in it especially bacon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Liz That Skinny Chick Can BakeOctober 11, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    What gorgeous bowls of delciousness! Fabulous soup :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. JanisOctober 11, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Oh yum! Little secret... I once had a bit part on "Too Close for Comfort" but always wished it was "Threes Company" I AM going to make this soup!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jessica | Oh CakeOctober 11, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    This sounds great! Beautiful photos, too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. foodie @ Tasting SpotOctober 11, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    i like your pictures and would like to invite you to share some of them on tastingspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 11, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    LOL! I love this post! The photos are terrific, the recipe is divine and you and I are alike! I can't tell you how many times I've decided to cook something and started right then! (Now following you via Google Follower)

    ReplyDelete
  7. TinaRBKOctober 12, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Nice savory fresh ingredients in this one! The flavors selected really do compliment each other. I would definitely enjoy this hearty soup-well done.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ana HelenaOctober 12, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    I love everything about this soup. Great presentation. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ErinOctober 12, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    Once I get something in my mind I have to do it right away - doesn't really matter what time it is. This soup looks wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jen at The Three Little PigletsOctober 12, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    I often lie awake thinking about food all the time. My kids say it's a sickness! Right up until I give them some cookie I dreamed up while I was lying in bed tossing and turning...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jocie's MomOctober 12, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Ha! I like your brain :) And I love that you managed to work Threes Company into this post! Awesome soup!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Laura @ Sprint 2 the TableOctober 12, 2011 at 11:37 PM

    That looks so tasty! I love rosemary with butternut. I also love bacon with... well, anything. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousOctober 13, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Sounds yummy. Your photos are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Tasty TrixOctober 13, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Butternut squash and bacon is a match made in heaven, soooo good. And so fall!

    ReplyDelete

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