Warm up this winter with a comforting bowl of our Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite with its hearty and savory flavors.
## Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
## Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
## Popular questions:
1. How can I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?
– You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
– Yes, you can use milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
3. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
– Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free milk alternative.
4. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
– Yes, sweet potatoes can be used as a delicious alternative in this soup.
5. How can I add more flavor to the soup?
– You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a dash of paprika for extra flavor.
6. Can I add vegetables like carrots or celery?
– Yes, feel free to add any additional vegetables you like to make the soup more robust.
7. Can this soup be frozen?
– Yes, this soup freezes well, just thaw and reheat before serving.
8. How long can this soup be stored in the fridge?
– It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
9. Can I use an immersion blender instead of a hand blender?
– Yes, an immersion blender works well for blending the soup.
10. Can I garnish with something other than green onions?
– You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a different flavor profile.
## Helpful tips:
1. For added depth of flavor, you can roast the potatoes before adding them to the soup.
2. To make the soup creamier, you can blend half of the potatoes with the broth before adding the rest.
3. Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick to the soup.
4. Experiment with different types of bacon for unique flavor variations.
5. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone.
6. Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
7. Top the soup with crispy fried onions for added crunch.
8. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture in the soup.
9. Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals.
10. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
## Expert Secrets:
1. Cooking the bacon until crispy adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor to the soup.
2. Sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant enhances the overall taste of the soup.
3. Using chicken broth creates a flavorful base for the soup.
4. Blending the soup until smooth ensures a creamy consistency.
5. Adding heavy cream at the end enhances the richness of the soup.
6. Seasoning with salt and pepper to taste brings out the flavors of the ingredients.
7. Garnishing with chopped green onions adds a fresh touch to the dish.
8. Allowing the soup to simmer on low heat helps meld the flavors together.
9. Adjusting the thickness of the soup to your preference by adding more broth or cream.
10. Enjoying the soup hot and fresh ensures the best taste experience.
By following these tips and expert secrets, you can create a perfect and delicious bowl of Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup every time. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this classic dish with your loved ones!