Are you craving the satisfying crunch of a BLT sandwich but looking for a warmer, more comforting experience? Then look no further! This creamy BLT soup is the perfect solution. It captures all the delicious flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a surprisingly easy-to-make and incredibly satisfying bowl of goodness. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for a chilly evening, and a delicious way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. This healthy meal is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure BLT bliss!
Ingredients:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
- 5 large leaves of romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons bacon fat (reserved from cooking the bacon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche
Instructions:
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Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot. Set the cooked bacon aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Add the Worcestershire sauce and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smoother soup, carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Add Lettuce and Cream: Return the soup to the pot (if blended) or continue in the pot if you prefer a chunkier texture. Stir in the chopped romaine lettuce and heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the lettuce is wilted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon bits, chopped chives (if using), and a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche (optional).
Tips for the Best BLT Soup:
- Bacon is Key: Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor. The bacon fat adds incredible richness to the soup.
- Don't Overcook the Lettuce: Overcooked lettuce will become mushy. Aim for wilted but still slightly crisp.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a thinner soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream. For a thicker soup, add more.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Grilled BLT Soup: Grill the bacon and tomatoes before adding them to the soup for a smoky flavor.
- Avocado BLT Soup: Add diced avocado to the soup at the end for a creamy, rich texture and added healthy fats.
- Roasted Tomato BLT Soup: Roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this unique twist on a classic!