Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups of Good King Henry leaves, chopped
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups of potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of heavy cream
Special equipment needed:
- Large soup pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped Good King Henry leaves to the pot and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the cubed potatoes and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 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. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 700mg
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Good King Henry leaves can be substituted with spinach or Swiss chard.
- Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted with water and bouillon cubes.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to chop the Good King Henry leaves finely to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon from the pot to avoid excess grease in the soup.
- If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid burns.
Storage instructions:
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Garnishes:
Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or croutons for added texture.
Pairings:
Serve with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the bacon thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator promptly to avoid bacterial growth.
Food history:
Good King Henry is a leafy green vegetable that has been used in European cuisine for centuries. It was a popular ingredient in medieval times and was often used in soups and stews.
Flavor profiles:
This soup has a creamy and savory flavor with a hint of thyme and a smoky bacon taste.
Serving suggestions:
This soup is perfect for a cozy winter meal or as a starter for a dinner party.
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Taste: Savory, Smoky, Salty, Comforting