Imagine a chilly evening spent around a crackling open fire, the aroma of sizzling bacon wafting through the air as you prepare a hearty bowl of English Bacon Potato Soup. This rustic recipe invites you to embrace the great outdoors while indulging in a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously smoky and savory soup that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: English
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of English bacon
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your outdoor open fire by building a stable cooking fire with medium-hot coals and a grill grate positioned securely over the flames.
- In a large cast-iron Dutch oven, place the bacon slices and cook over the open fire, rendering the fat and crisping the bacon until golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add chopped onions to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, stirring frequently with a long-handled wooden spoon to prevent burning.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the aromatic flavors to release into the fat.
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with the bacon fat and onion mixture, ensuring even cooking.
- Pour chicken broth into the Dutch oven, covering the potatoes and onions completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and allow the soup to simmer over the open fire for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
- Crumble the reserved bacon and stir most of it back into the soup, reserving some for garnish.
- Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially mash some potatoes, creating a thicker, creamier texture while leaving some chunks intact.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to preference.
- Serve hot directly from the Dutch oven, garnishing each serving with remaining crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped chives.
Tips
- Perfect Your Fire: Ensure you build a stable cooking fire with medium-hot coals to maintain consistent heat for even cooking. Avoid flames that are too high, as they can scorch your ingredients.
- Use Quality Bacon: The flavor of your soup largely depends on the quality of bacon you choose. Opt for thick-cut English bacon for a richer taste and better texture.
- Sauté with Care: When cooking the onions, keep an eye on them and stir frequently to achieve the perfect caramelization without burning.
- Mash with Purpose: For a creamier soup, partially mash the potatoes while leaving some chunks intact. This adds both texture and heartiness to your dish.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your palate, ensuring every bowl is perfectly seasoned.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the garnish! The crispy bacon bits and fresh chives add a delightful crunch and brightness, elevating your soup to a whole new level.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the soup hot and fresh from the Dutch oven for the best flavor and texture. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones around the fire!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
