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Green Bean & Smoked Meat Vegetable Soup

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
  • 23 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 23 stalks celery, diced
  • 34 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
  • 12 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 bay leaf (or substitute rosemary or parsley)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 12 tablespoons cooking oil or butter

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: green bean soup, smoked meat soup, vegetable soup, hearty soup, nourishing soup, comforting soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup