Green Bean & Smoked Meat Vegetable Soup
Green Bean & Smoked Meat Vegetable Soup is a hearty and nourishing blend of fresh vegetables and savory smoked meat, delivering a comforting and wholesome meal packed with vibrant flavors and essential nutrients. Perfect for cold days or anytime you need a warm, healing dish that is quick, adaptable, and satisfying.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
- 2–3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2–3 stalks celery, diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Smoked Meat
- 8 ounces smoked meat (such as smoked sausage, ham hock, or bacon), cut into bite-sized pieces
Broth & Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 bay leaf (or substitute rosemary or parsley)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons cooking oil or butter
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and trim the green beans, peel and slice the carrots, dice the onions and celery, and mince the garlic. Cut the smoked meat into bite-sized pieces to get ready for sautéing.
- Sauté the Base: In a large pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Lightly sauté the diced onions, minced garlic, and diced celery until softened and fragrant, building the flavor foundation of the soup.
- Brown the Smoked Meat: Add the smoked meat pieces to the pot and cook until they release their smoky aroma and some fat renders out. This step infuses the soup with savory depth.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the sliced carrots and green beans. Pour in the broth along with your chosen herbs (thyme or bay leaf) and seasonings (salt and pepper). Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still retain a slight bite and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove herb sprigs if used. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the hearty goodness of your Green Bean & Smoked Meat Vegetable Soup.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving to brighten flavors.
- Don’t overcook green beans; keep them slightly crisp to preserve texture and nutrients.
- Choose high-quality smoked meat such as ham, kielbasa, or bacon for best depth of flavor.
- Optionally sear smoked meat separately for extra caramelization before adding to the soup.
- Skim excess rendered fat from the pot for a lighter soup without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: green bean soup, smoked meat soup, vegetable soup, hearty soup, nourishing soup, comforting soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup