Potato soup with ham

Potato soup with bacon - a comforting delight

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Potato soup with bacon is a traditional recipe, appreciated in many cultures for its comforting flavor and simplicity of ingredients. This soup is perfect for chilly autumn or winter days when we crave something warm and nourishing. With a delicious combination of creamy potatoes, bacon, and fresh vegetables, this recipe can quickly become your family's favorite.

The basic ingredients play an essential role in preparing a successful soup. White potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their fine texture, while the bacon adds a rich aroma and intense flavor. Onion and bell pepper provide a pleasant contrast, bringing sweetness and freshness to the soup. Finally, sour cream and chopped fresh parsley transform the dish into a true delight for the senses.

Here’s how you can prepare a delicious potato soup with bacon, step by step:

Ingredients:
- 2 kg of white potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for a color contrast)
- 400 g of bacon or smoked pork belly
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 200 ml of sour cream
- A handful of chopped fresh parsley

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the potatoes. Make sure to wash them well under cold water to remove any impurities. Cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking. Chop the onion finely, and cut the bacon into small pieces, so the flavors are released quickly during cooking.

2. Boiling the potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a pot and cover them with water. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium, so they simmer gently.

3. Adding the onion and bacon: After about 10-15 minutes of boiling, when the potatoes are slightly soft, add the chopped onion and bacon. These ingredients will bring a deep flavor to the soup, so don’t skip this step!

4. Continuing to boil: Let the soup boil for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check if the potatoes are well cooked, especially in the center of the cubes. At the end of this step, you will notice how the flavors have combined perfectly, and the soup has taken on an attractive color.

5. Adding the bell pepper: When the potatoes are almost done, add the diced bell pepper. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. The bell pepper adds a fresh note and a crunchy texture, perfect for balancing the creamy consistency of the soup.

6. Finalizing the soup: Once all the ingredients are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Before serving, add the sour cream, stirring well to achieve a smooth consistency. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh and aromatic appearance.

7. Serving: Potato soup with bacon is delicious both hot and at room temperature. You can serve it with a slice of fresh bread to soak up every drop of this delicacy. If you want to add extra flavor, you can offer a spoonful of hot pepper or a pickled salad on the side.

Useful tips:
- You can replace the bacon with turkey bacon or a vegetarian product for a lighter version while still keeping the richness of flavors.
- Experiment with adding spices like sweet paprika or thyme to give the soup a personalized touch.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add noodles or rice during the boiling process.

Potato soup with bacon is not just a nourishing dish; it is also filled with warm memories. Perhaps it reminds you of family meals, weekend days spent around the table, or joyful moments with loved ones. This recipe is easy to adapt, so don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on it.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes? Yes, but the taste of the soup will be different and sweeter. It’s an interesting variation, but make sure to adjust the amount of salt.

- How long can I keep the soup in the fridge? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.

- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but the texture of the potatoes may slightly alter the consistency. It is recommended to stop cooking it a few minutes before freezing.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This soup has a caloric content of approximately 250 calories per serving, depending on the amount of sour cream used. It is an excellent source of carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from bacon, and vitamins from vegetables. Additionally, the parsley adds a boost of antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Enjoy this simple and delicious potato soup with bacon recipe! It will warm you up and remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Bon appétit!