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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.