B-L-T Soup
A creamy, smoky tomato and lettuce soup with bacon flavor, perfect for comfort food lovers and those seeking a hearty, savory starter or light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In an 8-quart pot, lightly sauté the finely chopped bacon.
- Do not remove the drippings.
- Add margarine and heat until melted.
- Add chopped lettuce and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add flour and stir until well blended. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, ground nutmeg, and white pepper.
- Heat until boiling, stirring to prevent sticking.
- When the mixture begins to boil, add half and half.
- Warm the soup, but do not boil.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using smoked bacon for a richer taste. If you're looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be a suitable substitute. For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or use half-and-half instead of just adding it at the end. You can also experiment with different types of lettuce if you want a twist on the classic ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the B-L-T soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad for a light and refreshing side. For an added touch, top each bowl with crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of cheese before serving to elevate the flavors and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover B-L-T soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens, you can add a little chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of B-L-T Soup contains roughly 642 calories, with 20g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), iron (140% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 47g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of stock for the soup?
Yes, you can use vegetable stock if you want a vegetarian version of this soup. However, keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile. Chicken stock is traditional and provides a rich base, but feel free to explore other options based on your dietary preferences.
How can I make the soup thicker if it's too thin?
If your B-L-T soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of flour and water or cornstarch and water. Mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a small amount of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired thickness.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
To make the B-L-T soup more filling, consider adding cooked pasta, rice, or even potatoes. You could also incorporate additional vegetables like corn or peas for extra nutrition and texture. These additions can transform the soup into a heartier meal, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).