Creamy Pea Soup with Bacon

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have incorporated smoky bacon to add a distinct Wisconsin touch to the traditional Italian pea soup. The addition of bacon enhances the flavor profile, giving the soup a rich and savory taste that complements the sweetness of the peas. This adaptation also highlights the use of local ingredients commonly found in Wisconsin, showcasing the region's culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Zuppa crema di piselli, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 1 lb (450g) frozen peas 1 lb (450g) frozen peas
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. 2.
   Add the frozen peas and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the peas are tender.
3. 3.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
4. 4.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• To make the soup even creamier, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can reserve some cooked peas and add them back into the soup after blending.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy pea soup in warm bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of cream on top of the soup and use a toothpick to create a decorative pattern. Serve the soup in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant green color.