Amazing BLT Soup

[Seamus Lab]

I make this soup all winter. It's amazing.

BLT SOUP (BACON, LETTUCE AND TOMATO)

1 lb. bacon, diced
4 oz. butter
1 - 1 lb. 6 oz. (1 large head) Iceberg lettuce, julienne cut, 1 1/2 to 2 inches long
10 oz. all purpose flour
3 1/2 qts. water, hot
3 oz. chicken base
1 oz. ham base
1 lb. (3 med.) fresh tomatoes (medium diced)
1/4 tsp. nutmeg, ground
1/8 tsp. red pepper, ground
1 qt. Half and Half cream

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until lightly browned; do not drain fat. Add butter and heat until melted. Stir in lettuce and saute 2 minutes. Add flour, stirring until well blended and evenly cooked, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in water, chicken base, ham base, tomatoes, nutmeg, and red pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and gently boil 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add Half and Half cream, mixing well. Heat to simmering, stirring frequently. Serve hot garnished with bacon crumbles, cherry tomatoes slices or buttered croutons.

[jzgrlduff]

That sounds really interesting, Nancy! My husband is a huge BLT fan, so I think I'll have to try this.

[sarah]

Lettuce in Soup? hmm.....

[dweck]

Escarole soup is terrific too, and escarole is 'lettuce-y'.

Ham base. Whazzat? Like chicken stock with pork? How is it made??

[Seamus Lab]

Escarole soup is terrific too, and escarole is 'lettuce-y'.

Ham base. Whazzat? Like chicken stock with pork? How is it made??

Ham base used to be like a powder in a jar. I think sort of like boulion cubes but not. Does that make sense? When I ran out I had a tough time finding it again and ordered it from Amazon.com. This one is like a jelly in a jar. Long as it does the trick.