Bacon Bliss: The Ultimate Creamy Tomato Soup
Hello, soup lovers! As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, there's nothing like a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup to soothe the soul. But this isn't just any tomato soup—we're taking it to the next level with a secret ingredient: bacon.
Yes, you heard that right. Bacon. It might seem unconventional, but the smoky richness that bacon adds to this soup is simply transformative. It's the kind of depth you never knew your tomato soup was missing, the secret that will have you saying, "Why is this so good?!" with every spoonful.
Inspired by the classic flavors of Saveur's recipes, this soup is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, you'll be amazed at how easily this comforting masterpiece comes together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Smoky Flavor Boost: The bacon adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish.
- Velvety Texture: The blending process and a touch of cream create a luxurious, smooth texture.
- Simple and Quick: Ready in about an hour, this soup is perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust to your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 4 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- One 28-ounce can of whole San Marzano tomatoes, hand-crushed
- 2 tablespoons cream (optional, for added richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let's Get Cooking
- Crisp the Bacon: Start by frying the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat until it's crispy and browned. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped carrots, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-10 minutes until they become tender and aromatic.
- Bloom the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes, until it starts to caramelize. Then, add the flour and cook for another minute.
- Simmer: Add the hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend: Once simmered, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender) to puree the soup until smooth. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before blending! Add the cooked bacon back in.
- Finish: Stir in the cream if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Tomato Soup
- Hand-Crush Your Tomatoes: This ensures that you are using higher quality tomatoes, creating a more flavorful soup.
- Don't Skip the Bacon: It's the key to adding that irresistible smokiness.
- Add Cream for Extra Richness: If you're feeling indulgent, a swirl of cream takes this soup to the next level.
- Season to perfection: Salt and pepper can make a big difference in the final flavor of your soup. Adjust as necessary
Serving Suggestions
Pair this incredible tomato soup with:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Cheesy garlic bread
- A fresh green salad
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this vegan? Absolutely! Skip the bacon, use vegetable broth, and replace the cream with a handful of blended cashews for creaminess, or simply omit the cream.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes! It freezes well for 3-4 months.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? For best results roast fresh tomatoes prior to adding them to the soup base
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this flavor-packed, homemade tomato soup. It's a simple recipe that delivers big on taste, and it will definitely become a staple in your kitchen. Cheers to a relaxing, comforting, and deeply delicious soup day!