Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Immersion blender or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and smoked paprika to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Using an immersion blender or transferring the soup to a blender, blend the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and 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 and onions, and simmer for sweet potatoes.
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 365
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 920mg
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Turkey bacon or pancetta can be used instead of regular bacon.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- Half and half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a spicy twist.
- Top with chopped chives or parsley for added freshness.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added protein and texture.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the soup thicker, add less broth or more sweet potatoes.
- To make the soup thinner, add more broth or cream.
- Be careful when blending hot soup, as it can splatter. Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in a bowl, topped with the crispy bacon and chopped chives or parsley.
Garnishes:
Crispy bacon, chopped chives or parsley.
Pairings:
Crusty bread or a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Mixed greens salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy to avoid any potential bacteria.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Sweet potatoes have been cultivated for thousands of years and are believed to have originated in Central or South America. They were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and have since become a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world.
Flavor profiles:
The soup is sweet and savory, with a smoky flavor from the bacon and paprika.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the soup as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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