Barry’s “Mmm Mmm Good!” Bean & Bacon Soup

Barry's Bean & Bacon Soup served in
his handmade pottery bowl that is setting
on one of his pottery plates.

     I still remember when my mom brought home a can of Campbells® Bean and Bacon soup. Of course I grew up during the Mmm Mmm Good!” era, a time when Campbells soup was the sole sponsor of my favorite TV show – Lassie.

     As I remember, the soup was just okay. But, Barry’s homemade version is really “Mmm Mmm Good!”. . . and, it was even better the second day.

Barry’s “Mmm Mmm Good!” Bean & Bacon Soup

7 or 8 slices of chopped bacon + about 1 cup+ of ham pieces (he used ham trimming and the combination of both bacon and ham equaled about 1½ cups total)

3 tablespoons canola oil

1 small onion, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Scant 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 (16 oz. cans) great northern or navy beans – do not drain (he used one of each)

3½ cups water

1 teaspoon beef concentrate (Barry uses McCormick® brand)

1 teaspoon chicken concentrate (McCormick® brand)

Chopped chives for garnish – fresh or dried

.

1.     In a heavy stock pot, cook ham and bacon trimmings for a few minutes, allowing time for bacon to partially brown Add the oil and onions; season with salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes.

2.     Sprinkle flour into the mixture and stir to mix as meat and onion continue to cook.

3.     Add water mixed with the beef and chicken concentrates.

4.     Add 2 cans of beans with liquid. Stir mixture and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

5.     When ready to serve, garnish with chopped chives.

Recipe without photos . . .

Barry’s “Mmm Mmm Good!” Bean & Bacon Soup

7 or 8 slices of chopped bacon + about 1 cup+ of ham pieces (he used ham trimming and the combination of both bacon and ham equaled about 1½ cups total)

3 tablespoons canola oil

1 small onion, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Scant 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 (16 oz. cans) great northern or navy beans – do not drain (he used one of each)

3½ cups water

1 teaspoon beef concentrate (Barry uses McCormick® brand)

1 teaspoon chicken concentrate (McCormick® brand)

Chopped chives for garnish – fresh or dried

.

1.     In a heavy stock pot, cook ham and bacon trimmings for a few minutes, allowing time for bacon to partially brown Add the oil and onions; season with salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes.

2.     Sprinkle flour into the mixture and stir to mix as meat and onion continue to cook.

3.     Add water mixed with the beef and chicken concentrates.

4.     Add 2 cans of beans with liquid. Stir mixture and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

5.     When ready to serve, garnish with chopped chives.