Chef Bihi Braised Endive Soup with Smoked Bacon
With the arrival of cooler days, there’s nothing quite like a homemade soup to keep you warm! This simple, delicious, and comforting recipe for Braised Endive Soup is perfect for the autumn season, brimming with flavors that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Are you ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort? Let’s get cooking!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 6 endives (chicons)
- 150 g smoked bacon
- 1 onion
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 liter chicken broth
- 100 ml heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Curly parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Thinly slice the onion and chop the parsley.
- In a pot, brown the bacon for a few minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onion in the bacon fat until it becomes translucent.
- Cut the endives in half, remove the firm core, and chop them into pieces. Add to the pot and braise over low heat for about 10 minutes until slightly caramelized.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Add the heavy cream and mix well.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Briefly reheat the crispy bacon in a pan and place it on top of the soup when serving, garnished with curly parsley.
Notes
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead!
Recipe Tips
- Add a splash of white wine for added flavor when braising the endives.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and mix it back in.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 20g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 15g protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I substitute endives with other vegetables?
- Yes, you can use Brussels sprouts or cabbage for a different flavor profile.
- 2. How can I make this soup vegan?
- Replace bacon with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit the cream or substitute with coconut cream.
- 3. Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes, this soup can be frozen. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- 4. What can I serve with this soup?
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- 5. How can I add more flavors to the soup?
- Experiment with herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
