Salad soup with bacon

Curly lettuce soup with bacon – a seasonal delight

Curly lettuce soup with bacon is that recipe that brings together the rich taste of fresh ingredients with the smoky flavor of bacon. This soup is not only quick to prepare but also extremely versatile, making it perfect to enjoy on cool days or as a light, nutrient-packed meal. Moreover, it is a recipe that can be customized according to everyone's preferences. Let's discover together how to prepare this tasty soup!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 curly green lettuce (about 300 g)
- 1 head of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 200 g bacon (cut into cubes)
- Salt, to taste
- 3 eggs
- 300 g sour cream
- Lemon juice or borscht (optional)

Ingredient details

Curly lettuce is rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Bacon adds extra flavor and protein, but can be replaced with ham or tofu for a vegetarian option. Garlic, besides its unmistakable aroma, is also known for its antioxidant properties.

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the garlic and finely crushing it. This will add an unmistakable flavor to your soup.

2. Frying the bacon: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the diced bacon over medium heat. Let it become crispy for about 5-7 minutes. The aroma of fried bacon is simply irresistible!

3. Adding the garlic: Once the bacon is fried, add the crushed garlic and sauté it together with the bacon for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. The garlic will release essential oils, providing a deep flavor.

4. Preparing the lettuce: Wash the curly lettuce under a stream of cold water and chop it finely. Add it to the pot over the bacon and garlic, mixing well. Let the lettuce sauté for 5 minutes until it becomes slightly soft.

5. Boiling the soup: Add 3 liters of water to the pot, along with salt to taste. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to combine and develop a rich taste.

6. Preparing the eggs with sour cream: In a small bowl, beat the 3 eggs with the sour cream. This mixture will add a delicious creaminess to your soup. It is important to let the soup cool slightly before adding the eggs to avoid coagulation.

7. Finalizing the soup: Add the egg and sour cream mixture to the soup, stirring gently to combine. At the end, you can add a little lemon juice or borscht, depending on your preferences.

Serving

This soup is served hot, alongside polenta and cheese, a traditional combination that perfectly complements the flavors. You can also add some croutons for extra texture. Enjoy this delicious soup with your loved ones, sharing childhood memories or future plans.

Possible variations

- For vegans: Replace bacon with smoked tofu and sour cream with a nut-based sauce or a plant-based alternative.
- For a spicy flavor: Add a few slices of hot pepper during the frying of the bacon.
- Additional additions: You can add vegetables like carrots or celery to enrich the soup.

Tips and tricks

- Keep the ingredients fresh: Choose fresh ingredients to achieve the best flavor. A fresh curly lettuce will make all the difference.
- Try different combinations: You can experiment with different types of bacon or even chicken meat to vary the taste.
- Cool the soup: If you have leftover soup, you can keep it in the fridge for the next day. The flavor will be even better as the flavors intensify.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of lettuce?
Yes, you can use other types of lettuce, but curly lettuce brings a specific taste and pleasant texture.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a little red pepper or hot pepper during preparation.

3. Can the soup be frozen?
It is recommended not to freeze it, as the sour cream and eggs may separate upon thawing.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This soup is a healthy option, with a moderate calorie content, being a good source of protein due to the bacon and eggs. Curly lettuce provides a considerable amount of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and K, essential for optimal health.

Curly lettuce soup with bacon is an excellent choice for a quick and tasty meal. Try it today and enjoy its unique flavors!