Smoky Bacon and Squash Soup
6
- Prep Time20 min
- Total Time20 min
- Makes8 cups (2 L)
Ingredients
1 large butternut squash
4 garlic cloves
2 plum tomato
1 large onion
5 slices bacon, preferably double-smoked
1/2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
900 mL chicken broth
1/3 cup shredded fresh basil
Instructions
To easily peel squash, make a large slit through skin with a knife, then microwave on high to soften skin a little, from 5 to 7 min. Remove squash from microwave. Peel, slice in half and discard seeds. Chop into small pieces. Coarsely chop garlic, tomatoes and onion.
Set a large saucepan or pasta pot over medium-low heat. Add bacon. Cook until crispy, 8 to 10 min. Place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tbsp (30 mL) bacon fat in pan. Increase heat to medium. Add garlic and onion. Stir often until onion starts to soften, about 3 min. Add tomatoes. Sprinkle with sage, oregano and salt. Stir occasionally until tomatoes break down, 3 to 5 more min.
Pour in broth. (If using canned, add 2 cans water.) Using a wooden spoon, scrape up and stir in any brown bits from pan bottom. Add squash and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer, covered and stirring occasionally, until squash is very tender, 15 to 25 min.
Working in batches, whirl soup in a blender or food processor, then pour into a large measuring cup or another saucepan. (Alternatively, use a hand blender.) Taste and add more herbs if needed. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with bacon and basil, if you wish. Soup will keep well, covered and refrigerated, up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 131, Protein 4.2g, Carbohydrates 13.5g, Fat 6.9g, Fibre 2.2g, Sodium 698mg.
We love making this recipe with thick slices of double-smoked bacon. But, really, you can never go wrong with bacon. The regular variety works just as well.
