Include in Print View:

Potato Soup With Kale & Bacon

Potato Soup With Kale & Bacon recipe image
This comforting potato soup is a perfect blend of rustic charm and rich flavor. The base consists of boiled potatoes, which are lightly mashed to create a thick, velvety broth. Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the earthy sweetness of the potatoes. Kale is wilted in bacon fat, providing a nutritious boost and a vibrant green color. Finished with a touch of cream and fresh herbs, this soup is ideal for chilly evenings or as a satisfying main course. It&# 226;ÂÂs simple to prepare using pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite for weeknight dinners. The combination of textures and flavors makes every spoonful deeply satisfying.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 1
Calories: 677.3
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This comforting potato soup is a perfect blend of rustic charm and rich flavor. The base consists of boiled potatoes, which are lightly mashed to create a thick, velvety broth. Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the earthy sweetness of the potatoes. Kale is wilted in bacon fat, providing a nutritious boost and a vibrant green color. Finished with a touch of cream and fresh herbs, this soup is ideal for chilly evenings or as a satisfying main course. It&# 226;ÂÂs simple to prepare using pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite for weeknight dinners. The combination of textures and flavors makes every spoonful deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
  • 2 pound Boiling potatoes
  • 3/4 pound Bacon
  • 1 pound Kale
  • 2 Cloves Garlic
Directions
  1. 1
    Peel the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water.
  2. 2
    Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered until the potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.
  3. 3
    Drain the potatoes, reserving about 4 cups of the cooking liquid.
  4. 4
    Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them roughly with a potato masher, leaving them somewhat lumpy.
  5. 5
    While potatoes cook, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
  6. 6
    Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the skillet.
  7. 7
    Stem and chop the kale. Mince the garlic cloves.
  8. 8
    Add half the kale and half the garlic to the hot skillet with the bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. 9
    Sauté over medium heat until the kale is wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl.
  10. 10
    Repeat with the remaining kale and garlic, adding more bacon fat if necessary.
  11. 11
    Return all the sautéed kale to the skillet. Add heavy cream (if available) or just use the reserved potato liquid for a lighter version.
  12. 12
    Simmer the kale mixture on very low heat for 10 minutes until tender.
  13. 13
    Add the reserved potato cooking liquid and chicken stock (if available) to the mashed potatoes to reach a soup consistency.
  14. 14
    Stir the kale mixture and crumbled bacon into the potato soup.
  15. 15
    Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Season with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
  16. 16
    Garnish with minced chives or green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 677.3kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 36.7g57%
Saturated Fat 12.0g60%
Cholesterol 39.2mg14%
Sodium 1518.6mg64%
Total Carbohydrate 47.5g16%
Dietary Fiber 9.1g37%
Sugars 2.3g
Protein 39.4g79%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much.

Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing the kale. Add nutritional yeast or smoked paprika for a smoky depth. You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.

Tips: Do not over-mash the potatoes if you want a chunky texture. If the soup is too thick, add more reserved potato water or stock. The kale can be substituted with spinach or collard greens.

Keywords: potato, kale, bacon, soup, comfort food, hearty, garlic, vegetarian option, winter, healthy, easy, homemade, dinner, lunch, warm, creamy, smoky, greens, stew, quick
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/potato-soup-with-kale-bacon/