Potato soup with smoked bacon

Potato soup with smoked bacon - a comforting delight

There are moments in life when we feel the need for a warm and nourishing meal that reminds us of the tastes of childhood and the comfort of home. Potato soup with smoked bacon is one of those recipes that not only warms your stomach but also your soul. It is a simple recipe, yet with a complex flavor, perfect for gathering the family around the table. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for colder days when a hot soup is all you desire.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of large potatoes (preferably red potatoes to keep their shape)
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 piece of celery root
- 1 stalk of celery (leaves and stem)
- 1 parsley root
- 1 large onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 sprig of fresh or dried tarragon
- 300 ml sour cream
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- magic borscht (or another souring option like lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon dehydrated vegetables or vegetable Delikat
- 1 tablespoon oil

Preparing the potato soup with smoked bacon:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables well. Peel the potatoes, onion, carrot, celery, and parsley. Dice the onion, carrot, bell pepper, celery, and parsley root into small cubes. This step is important as uniform cutting ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Starting to cook
In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and diced roots. Sprinkle a little salt over the vegetables to help release their juices. Let them sweat over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Adding water and bacon
After the vegetables have become slightly translucent, add 2-3 liters of cold water to the pot. Also add the pieces of smoked bacon, along with the stalk of celery and tarragon. Let everything simmer over low heat for 30-45 minutes. It is essential to keep the water boiling, so if you notice the water level dropping, top it up with hot water.

Step 4: Adding the potatoes
When the bacon is nearly cooked, add the diced potatoes. Red potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they do not break easily and maintain their texture. Let them boil together with the other ingredients for 12-15 minutes or until fully cooked.

Step 5: Finalizing the soup
Once the potatoes are ready, add the sour cream and mix well. Adjust the taste with salt, pepper, and magic borscht according to your preferences. A good idea is to taste the soup along the way to ensure it is perfect.

Step 6: Serving
Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with finely chopped fresh herbs. Personal preferences may vary, so you can use tarragon, parsley, or even dill, depending on what you have on hand.

Practical tips:
- Before starting to cook, prepare all the ingredients. This will make your cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a few peppercorns or a bay leaf during boiling.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be frozen for later use.

Delicious variations:
- You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or green beans to diversify the recipe.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper.
- Instead of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier but equally creamy alternative.

Nutritional benefits:
Potato soup with smoked bacon is rich in nutrients due to the fresh vegetables. Potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates, while the bacon adds protein, and the tarragon and other vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals. This soup is a good choice for a comforting and nourishing meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the smoked bacon with another type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork, beef, or even chicken, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the soup more sour?
If you don't have magic borscht, you can use vinegar or lemon juice, adding gradually until you reach the desired taste.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan due to the bacon and sour cream, but you can adapt the ingredients to make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using a plant-based sour cream.

I wish you much success in preparing this delicious soup! Share the recipe with friends and family and enjoy the moments spent together at the table, savoring this comforting dish full of flavors and memories!