Bacon, Lettuce And Tomato Soup
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Soup offers a comforting blend of smoky bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. Rich, hearty, and flavorful, it’s perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner. The soup combines savory, tangy, and fresh notes, appealing to those who enjoy comforting yet vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 Tbsp. bacon drippings, strained ⓘ
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 16 oz. can plum tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil or 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 4 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in bacon drippings for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes with liquid, tomato paste, and basil.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in flour and whisk to blend.
- Add chicken stock, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Just before serving, add crumbled bacon and chopped lettuce.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. If fresh basil isn't available, dried basil works well as a substitute. You can also try using turkey bacon for a lighter version. Pair this soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup warm, garnished with additional crumbled bacon and fresh lettuce on top. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, like Chicken-Cucumber Salad, or some hearty grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon, Lettuce And Tomato Soup contains roughly 659 calories, with 18g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1038mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and bacon drippings. Use olive oil or butter for sautéing, and replace chicken stock with vegetable stock for a delicious, meat-free version.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in while the soup simmers. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup and then return it to the pot.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove.
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).