Bacon and Pea Soup

Bacon and Pea Soup

Bacon and Pea Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the smoky richness of crispy bacon with the sweetness of fresh or frozen peas. The savory, salty bacon adds depth to the light and sweet peas, creating a comforting soup that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Here’s a simple recipe for Bacon and Pea Soup:

Bacon and Pea Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Bacon: 6-8 slices, chopped into small pieces

Frozen or fresh peas: 4 cups (about 500g)

Onion: 1 medium, chopped

Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Potato: 1 medium, peeled and diced (optional, for added creaminess)

Vegetable or chicken stock: 4 cups

Olive oil or butter: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)

Fresh mint: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a refreshing flavor)

Salt and pepper: to taste

Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (optional, for creaminess)

Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

 Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the bacon into small pieces. Dice the potato (if using), chop the onion, and mince the garlic.

Cook the Bacon:

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving a little bacon fat in the pot.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add the Potato and Stock:

If using, add the diced potato to the pot. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

Add the Peas and Simmer:

Add the peas to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, until heated through. If using fresh mint, add it at this point for a light, refreshing flavor.

Blend the Soup:

Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until the soup reaches your desired consistency.

Add Cream (Optional):

If you want a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream. You can adjust the amount of cream based on how rich you want the soup to be.

Season the Soup:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. You can also add a little more fresh mint or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor if desired.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the crispy bacon pieces you set aside earlier and some freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.

Tips:

For extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of mustard when sautéing the onions and garlic.

For a lighter version: Omit the cream and use only the stock for a more broth-based soup.

Make it smoky: If you prefer a stronger smoky flavor, you can use smoked bacon or add a bit of smoked paprika.

Bacon and Pea Soup is a wonderful combination of rich, savory bacon and sweet peas, creating a comforting, filling soup that’s perfect for any time of year. The balance of flavors is deliciously satisfying, and it pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!