Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is a Comforting Hearty Potato Bacon Soup, which is a rich and creamy soup featuring apple-smoked bacon and russet potatoes.
What type of bacon should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of apple-smoked bacon, sliced into 1-inch strips.
How many potatoes are required for this soup?
You will need 4 lbs of russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks.
What kind of onions are used in the base?
The recipe uses 2 sweet onions, which are chopped and sautéed until golden.
How much chicken stock is needed?
You need 32 ounces of organic chicken stock.
How should I cook the bacon?
Cook the sliced bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
Do I need to save the bacon drippings?
Yes, leave the bacon drippings in the pot to sauté the sweet onions for extra flavor.
How long should I sauté the sweet onions?
Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and golden.
What seasonings are used in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Should I add water to the soup?
If the 32 ounces of chicken stock does not fully submerge the potatoes, add water as necessary.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
Simmer the soup on low heat for approximately 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
How do I achieve the desired texture for the potatoes?
Once cooked, lightly mash the potatoes with a potato masher, leaving them slightly chunky for texture.
When do I add the butter?
Stir in 1/2 cup of unsalted butter after mashing the potatoes, allowing it to melt completely.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 2 1/2 cups of 2% low-fat milk.
How many green onions are included?
The recipe uses 4 green onions, which should be sliced and stirred into the pot.
How is the soup garnished?
Garnish each bowl with the reserved crispy bacon and serve with soda crackers on the side.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a warm, comforting soup perfect for chilly days or cozy evenings.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to reduce the added kosher salt.
What equipment is best for making this soup?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for cooking the bacon and simmering the soup.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
How should the sweet onions be prepared?
They should be chopped before being sautéed in the bacon drippings.
Are the potatoes peeled?
Yes, the russet potatoes should be peeled and then chopped into large chunks.
What serves as the side dish?
Soda crackers are suggested for serving on the side to provide extra crunch.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, the description notes it is a family favorite that provides a soothing embrace.
When are the sautéed onions returned to the pot?
The sautéed sweet onions are returned to the pot after the butter has melted.
How much black pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much kosher salt is used?
You should use 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
What kind of potatoes are best?
Russet potatoes are specifically called for due to their starchiness which helps thicken the soup.
How do I add the milk to the soup?
Slowly pour in the milk while mixing until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
What is the main flavor profile of this soup?
It is a savory and creamy soup with smoky notes from apple-smoked bacon and sweetness from sautéed onions.