Bacon Or Ham Soup
A hearty bacon or ham soup loaded with fresh celery, onions, potatoes, and creamy corn, perfect for comforting meals and hearty family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add 3 cups of sliced celery, chopped onion, thyme leaves, crushed, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
- Place half of the cooked vegetables with some of the liquid in a blender and puree.
- Return the pureed mixture to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add barley and simmer, uncovered, until barley is almost tender, about 25 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of sliced celery and simmer until barley and celery are tender, about 3 minutes.
- Reheat if needed, adding water to adjust consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh celery with frozen. You can also add cooked barley or quinoa for added texture and nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, try serving it alongside Grandmoo'S Chicken Soup(Dumdum Version) for a hearty family feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, adding a bit of water if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Or Ham Soup contains roughly 4192 calories, with 100g protein, 722g carbohydrates, and 134g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (881% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (547% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2424mg per serving (105% 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 use other types of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute bacon with diced ham or even turkey for a lighter option. Just ensure that any meat you choose is cooked before adding it to the soup to enhance the flavors. This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with different proteins.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it and then return it to the pot. Alternatively, you could add a slurry made from cornstarch and water or incorporate more diced potatoes. Allow it to simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is this soup freezable?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It's a great make-ahead meal!
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).