Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 4 cups of potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chicken broth and diced potatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with the crispy bacon.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking bacon, onion, and garlic
- Boiling for chicken broth and potatoes
- Simmering for potatoes
- Low heat for blending and adding cream
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 1050mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used instead of regular bacon.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth.
- Half-and-half or milk can be used instead of heavy cream.
Variations:
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the soup for a cheesy twist.
- Add chopped carrots or celery to the soup for extra vegetables.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to easily peel and dice the potatoes.
- Be careful when blending hot soup in a regular blender, as the steam can cause the lid to pop off.
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in a bread bowl for a fun presentation.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Crispy bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped chives or parsley
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Grilled cheese sandwich
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Potato soup has been a popular dish in Europe for centuries, with variations in different countries.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, savory, and slightly sweet from the potatoes.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a main dish for a cozy dinner at home.
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