Tomato Bacon Cream Soup with Mustard Whip

This delightful soup combines the rich, tangy flavors of tomato with the savory notes of bacon, creating a comforting and gourmet experience in a bowl. The creamy texture is complemented by a unique mustard-flavored whipped cream, adding a distinct and sophisticated touch. Ideal for chilly days or as an elegant starter, this dish is sure to impress your guests. The use of fresh herbs and spices adds depth and aroma, while the crispy bacon provides a satisfying crunch. Easy to make yet elegant in presentation, this soup is perfect for special occasions or quiet evenings at home. With a balance of sweetness from brown sugar and tanginess from lemon, this soup offers a well-rounded flavor that will delight the palate. Garnished with capers and paired with toasted ciabatta, it's a true taste sensation. Whether you're an experienced chef or a cooking enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try for its uniqueness and taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 large can of tomatoes in their juice
0.5 liters of heavy cream (35-38%)
3 teaspoons of olive oil
2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 bunch of celery stalks
3-4 red or shallot onions
1 lemon
1 small garlic clove
0.5 kg of smoked bacon
Fresh chicken broth or cubes
1 loaf of ciabatta bread
Mixed salad greens

Spices and Sauce:

1 teaspoon Dijon or French mustard
1 teaspoon thyme
Capers
Tabasco sauce (optional)
Salt, pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 90 minutes (Preparation: 20 minutes, Cooking: 70 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preparation: Gather all necessary ingredients before you start. Chill the cream and mixing bowl for at least 30 minutes to ease whipping.
Freeze Ciabatta: Place the ciabatta in the freezer for easier slicing later.
Whip Cream: Whip the chilled cream in a cold bowl, adding lemon juice, salt, and mustard towards the end. Be cautious not to over-whip.
Bacon Preparation: Slice about a quarter of the bacon into thin strips for garnish. Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes, then drain excess fat. The rest can be chopped into small cubes.
Sauté Bacon: Start by lightly frying the bacon cubes without additional fat until they're golden.
Make Broth: For homemade chicken broth, boil 0.5 kg chicken bones in 1 liter of water. Add carrot/onion if desired, simmer for 1 hour. Begin this step early.
Vegetables: Add onions and garlic to the browned bacon. Ensure they're cooked through for optimal flavor.
Add Olive Oil: Pour in 3 teaspoons of olive oil.
Seasoning: Sprinkle thyme onto the mixture.
Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth.
Tomatoes: Add canned tomatoes with their juice, breaking them apart gently as they soften.
Simmer: Let the soup simmer on low heat for 40 minutes. Occasionally skim off any foam.
Slice Bread: From the frozen ciabatta, cut about eight thin slices for toasts; reserve the rest to serve with the soup.
Capers on Toast: Sprinkle caper over ciabatta slices and toast at 200°C for 2-3 minutes.
Blend Soup: Once cooked, blend the soup thoroughly until smooth.
Strain Soup: To achieve a velvety texture, strain the soup through a sieve.
Reheat: Return soup to the pot, add 100 ml cream, and heat gently.
Sweeten: Add the brown sugar and simmer to thicken slightly. After about 10 minutes, the flavors should balance.
Toast Bread: Just before serving, warm ciabatta slices in the oven.
Serve: Serve the soup hot with a dollop of mustard whip, bacon strips, and toasted ciabatta on the side. Optionally add a few drops of Tabasco.

Tips

Mustard Cream: Ensure the cream is well chilled for the best whippiness.
Customization: Adjust mustard quantity to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
Homemade Broth: Use freshly made broth for richer flavor instead of store-bought cubes.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 450 per serving
Protein: 14g
Fats: 28g
Carbohydrates: 32g

Variations

Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Add roasted bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Sides: Pair with a green salad and vinaigrette.
Wine: A crisp white wine complements this dish well.

Best Places

The Tomato Barn Bistro - Cozy café known for tomato-based dishes. Location: 15 Garden Rd, San Francisco, USA.
Soup Haven - Renowned for its variety of homemade soups. Location: 23 Main St, London, UK.
Bacon Bistro - Offers unique bacon-infused recipes. Location: 82 King St, Sydney, Australia.
The Creamery Café - Famous for its creamy soup creations. Location: 42 Boulevard, Paris, France.
Gourmet Soups - High-end soup restaurant with innovative flavors. Location: 30 Gourmet Lane, Toronto, Canada.
Soup's Up! - Family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu. Location: 9 Central Ave, New York, USA.
Bistro du Zuppe - Known for scratch-made soups and fresh bread. Location: 58 Rue de Ravioli, Rome, Italy.
Taste of Comfort - Offers a warm, welcoming dining experience. Location: 12 Comfort St, Berlin, Germany.
Whipped Dreams - Specializes in unique whipped cream toppings. Location: 67 Avenue Zapato, Barcelona, Spain.
The Perfect Blend - Combines great soups with fresh-squeezed juices. Location: 47 Blend Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.