Harvest Soup with Apples and Bacon

By Klainanutshell

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 graqnny smith apples—peeled and cored, 2 1/2 coarsely chopped
• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces celery root, peeled and chopped
• 8 ounces turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 sprigs thyme, plus thyme leaves for garnishing
• One 32-ounce container (4 cups) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Details

Servings 8
Preparation time 25mins
Cooking time 70mins

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Discard all but about 3 tablespoons bacon grease.

Add the onion to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add the chopped apples, squash, sweet potatoes, celery root, turnips and thyme sprigs. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth and 5 cups of water, cover, bring to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs; season with salt and pepper.

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup. Finely chop the remaining apple half. Top the soup with the apple, bacon and thyme leaves.