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.
Smoky Bacon and Squash Soup
3
PREP TIME
20 min
Makes
8 cups (2 L)
* PLUS Cooking time: 35 minutes
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
- 4.2 g,
- Carbohydrates
- 13.5 g,
- Fat
- 6.9 g,
- Fibre
- 2.2 g,
- Sodium
- 698 mg.
