Bacon and Green Pea Soup for One
Indulge in the quick and easy Bacon and Green Pea Soup, perfect for a single serving when time is of the essence. This recipe outshines others with its mere 20-minute journey from pantry to plate, combining the comforting warmth of smoky bacon and sweet peas, ideal for any cold day’s lunch or dinner.
In the hustle of your busy life, finding time to cook a nutritious and delicious meal can be challenging. That’s where this bacon and green pea soup comes in – a perfect solution for a quick lunch or dinner, especially when you’re cooking for one.
With just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have a warm, comforting dish ready in no time. It’s crafted with everyday ingredients, including smoky bacon, frozen green peas, onion, and potatoes.
For those days when you need a little extra comfort, consider adding carrots for a natural sweetness, more fresh herbs to elevate the flavor profile, and crispy croutons for a satisfying crunch. A final drizzle of olive oil can add a luxurious touch to this simple yet rich dish.
Whether you’re settling down after a long day or need a quick meal between meetings, this bacon and green pea soup is your go-to. It’s not only easy and quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to your liking. So, grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!
To make it easier for you to manage the leftovers, you should give a try to the bacon and green peas pasta the next day.
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Don’t rush the sautéing process. Cooking the onions, garlic, and bacon slowly will build a flavorful base for your soup.
- Be careful not to overcook the peas. They should be cooked just until they’re tender to keep their vibrant green color and fresh taste.
- Consider adding a dollop of light cream or a sprinkle of aromatic herbs on top before serving. It adds a touch of richness and complexity to the soup.
🥘 Ingredients & Substitutes
- Green Peas: These are the heart of your soup, offering sweetness and a bright, fresh flavor. If you’re out of green peas, try using frozen edamame or even chopped zucchini for a similar texture and a gentle, earthy taste.
- Bacon: It’s all about the smoky depth and richness here. If bacon isn’t your choice, smoked turkey or even a dash of smoked paprika can give that umami kick.
- Light Cream: This gives your soup a luxurious, creamy texture. No cream? Use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist that still brings creaminess.
- Onion: A foundational flavor-builder, onions add a subtle sweetness and depth. Shallots or leeks can be great alternatives, offering a milder and slightly more refined taste.
- Potato: It’s a thickening agent, lending body to your soup. A substitute could be sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter profile, or even turnips for a more earthy, robust flavor.
- Aromatic Herbs: I used a mix of dill and parsley, but you may also give a try to thyme or rosemary. No fresh herbs? Dried herbs work well, or try a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a similar herbal note.
- Garlic: It’s all about the pungent, aromatic kick. If fresh garlic is not on hand, garlic powder or a small amount of finely chopped shallots can work as a stand-in, giving that needed flavor punch.
👩🍳 Directions
To start, cut the bacon slices into small pieces and place them in a cold pot. Let them cook over low heat until some fat is rendered, and the pieces become golden and crispy. Remove some or all of the bacon from the pot but leave the fat inside; we’ll need it to continue cooking.
Keep these bacon pieces for later; we’ll use them as a topping for the soup when serving.
Into the remaining fat in the pot, add the onion and garlic, and cook them over medium heat for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft.
Add ½ cup of water and the diced potato. Let it simmer until the potato becomes soft.
When the potato is soft, add the frozen peas.
Then, add ½ cup of light cream, mix well, and cover with a lid. Let it simmer over low heat.
After it begins to boil, cook for about 5 minutes; it only takes time for the peas to become soft.
Quick Note:
Don’t cook the peas for too long to preserve their beautiful green color.
Blend the soup thoroughly using an immersion blender.
Serve immediately, garnished with the crispy bacon we obtained earlier and a bit of finely chopped parsley.
🍴 How to Double the Recipe:
To serve two, simply double the quantities of all ingredients. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may need a slight adjustment with more volume. A slightly larger pot will be needed to accommodate the extra ingredients.
🍽️ Servings
Rustic Bread Bowl
- Components: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl, ideally sourdough or a crusty artisan bread. The bread absorbs the soup’s flavors, adding a delightful texture.
- Presentation: Carve a round top off the bread and hollow out the center. Pour the hot soup into the bread bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Occasion: Perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or when you want to impress guests with a unique presentation.
Light Lunch Combo
- Components: Pair the soup with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette, and a few slices of grilled chicken breast.
- Presentation: Serve the soup alongside a colorful salad on a large plate, with the grilled chicken sliced and fanned out for visual appeal.
- Occasion: Ideal for a nutritious and satisfying lunch, especially after a morning workout or a busy workday.
Elegant Appetizer
- Components: Offer a smaller serving of the soup as an appetizer, accompanied by a couple of garlic-rubbed, toasted crostini.
- Presentation: Serve in a small, elegant bowl or a cup. Place the crostini on the side of the plate or atop the soup, garnished with a sprig of fresh herb.
- Occasion: Great for a dinner party starter, setting the stage for a more elaborate main course.
Comforting Weeknight Dinner
- Components: Add a side of roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, and a slice of your favorite cheese.
- Presentation: Place the roasted vegetables next to the soup bowl and a slice of cheese on a small side plate.
- Occasion: Suitable for a nourishing dinner after a long day, combining warmth, comfort, and nutrition.
🍽️ Variations
Vegetarian Delight
- Swap Out: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for that umami flavor.
- Add-In: Stir in some chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking for added greens.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness of bacon.
Seafood Twist
- Swap Out: Omit bacon and add cooked, shredded crab meat or shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add-In: A splash of white wine while cooking to enhance the seafood flavor.
- Herbal Touch: Replace traditional herbs with dill or tarragon for a fresh, sea-inspired taste.
Creamy Comfort
- Swap Out: Use heavy cream instead of light cream for a richer texture.
- Add-In: A handful of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy depth.
- Texture Change: Blend the soup for a smooth, velvety finish.
Spicy Kick
- Swap Out: Skip the bacon and add chorizo for a spicy, meaty twist.
- Add-In: A teaspoon of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Garnish: Top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for balance.
Low-Carb Version
- Swap Out: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a lower carb alternative.
- Add-In: Extra bacon for more protein and a satisfying crunch.
- Herbal Touch: Add a sprig of rosemary for a fragrant, herbal note.
❄️ Storage
In the Fridge
- Duration: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing.
- Container: Use an airtight container to prevent the soup from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
- Pay Attention: The cream in the soup may separate slightly when chilled. Also, the longer it sits, the more the flavors from the bacon and herbs will intensify.
In the Freezer
- Duration: For longer storage, this soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Container: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.
- Weak Points: Cream-based soups may change the texture slightly when frozen and thawed. The soup might become less creamy and more grainy.
Thawing and Reheating
- Thawing: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Avoid thawing at room temperature as it can lead to bacterial growth.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has separated, a gentle whisk can help bring it back together. Avoid boiling as it can further break down the cream and affect the texture.
Additional Storage Tips
- Stir Well Before Serving: After refrigerating or freezing, ingredients may settle or separate. A good stir will help redistribute flavors and textures.
- Freeze in Portions: If you plan to eat the soup over multiple meals, freeze it in individual serving sizes for convenience.
🤔 FAQs
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
What Is the Ideal Serving Temperature for This Soup?
How Can I Make it More Filling?
📔 Recipe Card:
Bacon and Green Pea Soup for One
Ingredients
- 1 piece Onion small
- ½ cup Cream light
- 1 cup Frozen Green Peas
- 1 piece Potato small
- 2 slice Bacon
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Parsley
Instructions
- Start with Bacon: Cut bacon into small pieces and cook in a cold pot on low heat. Cook until golden and crispy. Remove half of the bacon pieces and put them on another plate.2 slice Bacon
- Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, over the remained bacon, add the small chopped onion and garlic. Cook on medium heat until the onion softens.1 piece Onion, 1 clove Garlic
- Add Potatoes: Pour ½ cup of water into the pot. Add diced potato. Simmer until the potato softens.1 piece Potato
- Include Peas: Add the frozen peas to the pot.1 cup Frozen Green Peas
- Creamy Texture: Pour in ½ cup of light cream. Stir well. Cover and simmer on low heat.½ cup Cream
- Final Cooking: After the soup begins to boil, let it cook for about 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to maintain the peas' green color.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot.1 teaspoon Parsley
Notes
- For a chunkier soup, you can set aside some of the peas and bacon before blending, then add them back in for texture.
- If you have an immersion blender, it’s perfect for this recipe. It allows you to blend the soup right in the pot, saving you from transferring hot soup to a blender.
- If you don’t have light cream, half-and-half or whole milk can be used as a substitute. Just remember that the soup will be less rich.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Thyme, rosemary, or tarragon would all work well in this soup.
Nutrition
Your Turn
I’d love to hear how you’ve customized it or any tips you have for fellow food enthusiasts. Share your thoughts in the comments below and inspire others to savor the goodness of this dish!
