Creamy potato soup with crispy bacon

Creamy potato soup with crispy bacon: a comforting delight for cool autumn days

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

Do you remember those autumn days when the air turns cooler and the leaves change color in a warm display of hues? It's the perfect time to enjoy a creamy potato soup with crispy bacon. This simple and quick recipe will warm your soul and provide comfort on your plate. Plus, the aroma of fried bacon will delight your senses, turning an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

The history of creamy potato soup is rich. It has been loved by many generations as a comforting dish, ideal for warming chilly days. Often, the ingredients used vary depending on the season and availability, but the essence remains the same: a creamy soup, rich in flavors, that brings people together.

Here’s how to prepare this delicious soup step by step:

Ingredients:
- 600 g potatoes (preferably starchy)
- 150 g bacon
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 carrot
- 1 small parsnip
- 20 g butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon tarragon (dried or fresh)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 Knorr vegetable cube
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 200 g sour cream (for serving)

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the potatoes, carrot, and parsnip. Cut them into equal-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and cut the bacon into thin strips. This step is essential; uniform cutting will ensure even cooking.

2. Frying the bacon: In a large skillet, add the oil and butter over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the bacon strips. Fry for 5-7 minutes or until crispy and golden. This is when the aroma of bacon will fill your kitchen. Once the bacon is ready, remove it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat.

3. Sautéing the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, leave the remaining fat and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until translucent. Here, you can add a pinch of salt, which will help release the juices from the onion.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the potatoes, carrot, and parsnip. Sauté for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step will intensify the flavors of the vegetables and add a hint of sweetness.

5. Boiling the soup: Pour 1 liter of hot water into the skillet. Add the bay leaf, Knorr cube, salt, pepper, and tarragon. Cover the pot with a lid and let it boil for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Use this time to relax and enjoy the delicious smell wafting through your kitchen.

6. Blending the soup: After the vegetables are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend the vegetables until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, making sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid accidents.

7. Serving: Finally, in serving bowls, add a portion of the creamy soup. Top with a spoonful of sour cream, sprinkle the crispy bacon, and add chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness. This is a presentation that will impress any guest!

Serving suggestions: Creamy potato soup with crispy bacon pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or crunchy croutons. You can also accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or a warm herbal tea for a pleasant contrast.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of vegetables? Absolutely! You can add celery or zucchini to vary the flavor.
2. How can I make the soup spicier? Add a pinch of chili or smoked paprika during preparation for an extra kick.
3. How much sour cream can I add? You can adjust the amount of sour cream according to your preferences; more sour cream will make the soup richer.

Nutritional benefits: This creamy soup is an excellent source of carbohydrates from potatoes, providing you with energy, as well as vitamins from the vegetables. The bacon adds a note of protein and healthy fats, while the parsley offers antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Calories: A serving of creamy potato soup with crispy bacon has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used.

Vegetarian option: You can replace the bacon with toasted bread croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds to maintain the crunchy texture but without the meat.

This creamy potato soup with crispy bacon will surely become a favorite dish during the cold season. I recommend making it on the weekend, storing it in the fridge, and reheating it during the week for a quick and delicious lunch. Enjoy!