Potato Bacon Fennel Soup Recipe- Lebanese Special
Potato Bacon Fennel Soup is a robust and flavorful dish that marries the savory richness of bacon with the delicate sweetness of fennel and the creamy comfort of potatoes. This soup provides a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it ideal for a cozy, satisfying meal. The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and aromatic fennel creates a deliciously warming bowl of comfort.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Total Time45 min
Potato Bacon Fennel Soup Ingredients :
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup milk or cream (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or fennel fronds for garnish (optional)
Cook Bacon:
In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sliced fennel, cooking for another 5 minutes until the fennel starts to soften.
Add Broth and Potatoes:
Stir in the diced potatoes and dried thyme.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend Soup:
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
Finish Soup:
Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a regular blender).
Stir in the milk or cream, if using, and heat through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the cooked bacon and fresh parsley or fennel fronds if desired.
Recipe Notes:
Bacon: For a healthier option, use turkey bacon or omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.
Fennel: Fennel adds a subtle anise-like flavor that pairs well with the richness of the bacon and potatoes.
Creaminess: Adding milk or cream enhances the soup’s richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
Texture: Blending the soup creates a smooth, creamy texture, but you can also leave it slightly chunky if preferred.
Storage: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
