Easy, Healthy Vegetable & Bacon Soup Recipe 🥣
Overview:
This delightful vegetable and bacon soup brings together the comforting flavors of fall vegetables with the savory goodness of bacon. It’s a hearty yet healthy meal perfect for cozy weekends, paired with a warm, crusty bread roll. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 369.6 per serving
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Bacon |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Turnip |
| 1 | Parsnip |
| 1 | Zucchini |
| 2 | Potatoes |
| 3 | Carrots |
| 3 | Celery stalks |
| 1 | Pumpkin |
| 3/4 | Pearl barley |
| 1 | Instant bouillon granules |
| – | Olive oil |
Instructions:
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Preparation: Start by peeling and chopping all the vegetables into your preferred sizes. Set them aside until needed.
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Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped celery and carrots, sautéing until they begin to soften. If the mixture starts to stick, sprinkle in some stock powder and a splash of water. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a depth of flavor as it incorporates the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Prepare Broth: While the vegetables cook, prepare the broth. In a separate pot, bring about 1 liter of water to a boil. Add the bacon bones and instant bouillon granules. Let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the broth is ready, add all the chopped vegetables, pearl barley, and any additional seasonings you desire, such as salt, pepper, mixed herbs, or chili flakes for a hint of heat.
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Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer gently for about an hour to an hour and a half. Stir occasionally to prevent the barley from sticking to the bottom of the pot, and add more water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
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Blend and Refrigerate: After simmering, remove the bacon bones from the soup, leaving behind their rich flavor. For a smooth texture, transfer the soup to a blender and puree until silky and creamy. Let the soup cool, then refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
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Reheat and Serve: The next day, reheat the soup gently on the stove until warmed through. Serve piping hot with your favorite crusty bread rolls for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly autumn days.
Enjoy this easy, healthy vegetable and bacon soup as a comforting meal that’s packed with nutritious goodness and hearty flavors! 🍲🥖
