Broccoli cream soup with bacon sticks

Broccoli cream soup with bacon sticks

Who doesn't love a warm and comforting soup? Broccoli cream soup is not only a healthy choice but also an explosion of flavors, with a delicious contrast brought by the smoked bacon. This recipe is perfect for cool evenings, but also for those moments when you want to indulge in something truly special. Let's venture together into preparing this delicious soup!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400 g fresh broccoli
- 100 g smoked bacon, sliced thin
- Olive oil (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1/2 onion, julienned
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 parsley root, peeled and diced
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Some bamboo sticks for skewers

Preparation:

1. Preparing the broccoli: Start by cleaning the broccoli and cutting it into florets. Wash them well under cold running water. Then, boil them in a pot of water with salt for 10-15 minutes until tender but not overly soft. Here is an important trick: to keep the vibrant green color of the broccoli, rinse it immediately after boiling under cold water. This process is called "blanching" and helps set the color.

2. Preparing the bacon sticks: While the broccoli is boiling, take two slices of bacon and wrap each slice around half of a bamboo stick. Make sure not to wrap them too tightly, or they will break while cooking. In a skillet, heat a little olive oil and brown the bacon sticks until they become crispy and golden, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them from the skillet and let them cool on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

3. Preparing the vegetables: In the same skillet where you cooked the bacon, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add the julienned onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the carrots, parsley root, bell peppers, and diced potatoes. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Boiling the soup: Once the vegetables have softened slightly, pour a few tablespoons of broccoli juice (or water/vegetable broth) into the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and let the vegetables simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked. This is the ideal time to add the chopped dill, which will bring a fresh flavor to your soup.

5. Blending the soup: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Use an immersion blender to turn the mixture into a smooth cream. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but make sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending. Adjust the consistency by adding water or broth if necessary.

6. Serving: Pour the broccoli cream soup into deep bowls and garnish each serving with a few crispy bacon sticks. Give it a final touch with some fresh herbs on top and serve it alongside toasted bread or croutons. This is a perfect combination, and the crispy texture of the bacon will add a pleasant contrast to the creamy soup.

Practical tips:
- Vegetarian option: If you want a meat-free option, you can omit the bacon and replace it with toasted bread croutons or roasted nuts for an extra crunch.
- Storing the soup: The cream soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Enhancing the flavor: For an even more intense flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, and regular consumption can have beneficial effects on the immune system and digestive health. Bacon, while delicious, should be consumed in moderation, as it is higher in saturated fats.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, frozen broccoli works well, but make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.
2. Is this soup suitable for vegans? No, but you can adapt the recipe by omitting the bacon and using a cooking oil compatible with a vegan diet.
3. What other vegetables can I add? You can experiment with zucchini, cauliflower, or celery, depending on your preferences.

This broccoli cream soup with bacon sticks will quickly become a family favorite due to its delicious taste and creamy texture. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends to inspire them to enjoy a healthy and tasty dish. Enjoy your meal!