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–+ servings
Potato Soup
This hearty potato soup features a classic combination of smoky bacon, leeks, carrots, and celery simmered in rich beef broth with warm spices and herbs. Enhanced with a hint of caraway, nutmeg, and a touch of marjoram, it evokes an old-world European flair. The recipe is adapted from a vintage favorite and includes hand-marked suggestions for improved flavor, making it a treasured comfort food ideal for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb bacon
  • 1 onion (medium, chopped)
  • 2 leeks (white parts only, sliced)
  • 2 carrots (sliced)
  • 1 cup celery (diced )
  • 2 tbsp parsley (chopped )
  • 5 cups beef broth (40 oz)
  • 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and diced, small red - may leave on skins)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4-6 whole peppercorns
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Bacon

  • In a large soup pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

  • In the rendered bacon fat, add chopped onion, sliced leeks, carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Parsley

  • Stir in chopped parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, nutmeg, caraway seeds, and marjoram.

Step 4: Combine with Broth

  • Pour in the beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Potatoes

  • Add the nutmeg, bay leaf and caraway seeds.
  • Add diced potatoes to the pot. Stir well. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Step 6: Finish with Bacon

  • Uncover, return the cooked bacon to the pot, and stir to incorporate. Cook 5 more minutes uncovered for flavors to meld.

Step 7: Serve

  • Ladle hot soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional parsley or a swirl of cream.

Tips

  • Use small red potatoes and leave skins on, as noted on the card
  • Dice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking
  • Add bacon back at the end to preserve texture
  • Vent the lid slightly while simmering to avoid over-thickening
  • Adjust peppercorn, nutmeg, and caraway gently, they are background spices
  • Mash a few potatoes in the pot for a thicker soup
  • Substitute parsley with fresh thyme for a different herbal note
  • Skim excess bacon fat if a lighter broth is preferred
  • Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 740mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5200IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bacon soup, comfort food, hearty soup, one pot meal, potato soup, vintage recipe, winter soup
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