Baranja-style Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
• 200g (7 oz) smoked bacon, diced 200g (7 oz) smoked bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 liter (4 cups) chicken or vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the sweet paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf into the pot. Stir well to coat the ingredients with the spices.
4. 4.
   Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup and use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks of potatoes for texture.
7. 7.
   Serve the Baranja-style Potato Soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture in the soup.
• Smoked bacon — Opt for thick-cut bacon to add a smoky flavor to the soup. If unavailable, you can use smoked ham or sausage as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the soup.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender instead of an immersion blender to puree the soup completely.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the soup.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Baranja-style Potato Soup as a comforting main course, accompanied by crusty bread or traditional Croatian cornbread.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an appetizing presentation.