Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound fresh nettle leaves
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the nettle leaves and remove any tough stems.
2. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
4. Add the nettle leaves to the pot and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the nettle leaves are tender.
6. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
7. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and grated cheese. Cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the soup hot, topped with the crispy bacon.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking bacon, onion, and garlic
- Simmer for cooking nettle leaves and broth
- Low heat for melting cheese and heating soup
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 450
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Spinach or kale can be used instead of nettle leaves
- Gouda or Parmesan cheese can be used instead of cheddar cheese
- Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used instead of regular bacon
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version
- Top with croutons or chopped herbs for added texture and flavor
Tips and tricks:
- Wear gloves when handling nettle leaves to avoid getting stung
- If using a blender, blend the soup in batches to avoid splatters
- Adjust the amount of cheese and cream to your liking for a thicker or thinner soup
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 individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped bacon and a drizzle of cream
Garnishes:
- Chopped bacon
- Croutons
- Chopped herbs
- Drizzle of cream
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or cream to thin it out
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it over low heat until it thickens
Food safety advice:
- Wear gloves when handling nettle leaves to avoid getting stung
- Make sure the soup is heated through before serving
Food history:
- Nettle soup is a traditional dish in many European countries, where nettles are foraged and used in cooking
Flavor profiles:
- Earthy, savory, creamy, cheesy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a starter or main course
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