Bacon and Potato Soup (Protein)

potatobaconsoupprotein Creamy, hearty and flavourful, this Potato Bacon Soup is perfect for lunch or dinner on a cold rainy day.

16 slices bacon, chopped (375 g)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 ribs celery, diced
4 cups chicken broth
4 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced into ½" cubes
½ tsp. dried thyme
2 cups milk
½ cup (2 scoops) vanilla whey protein powder (39 g)
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
1 pinch ground cayenne

Garnish:
Parmesan cheese
sliced green onions

Cook bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add onion, garlic and celery to the bacon fat and cook 3-4 minutes or until onion softens slightly.

Stir in chicken broth, potatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook covered 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in the milk and protein powder. Simmer for 5 minutes longer.

Stir in half of the bacon. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste. Spoon into bowls, top with Parmesan cheese, remaining bacon and green onions.

Makes 8 servings.

Cook's Notes:

For a thicker soup, mash or blend a portion (or all) of the soup before adding the bacon.
If using a thin skinned potato (red or Yukon gold) you can leave some of the peels on the potatoes for a rustic look and a bit more fibre.
Cheddar cheese is a great addition to this soup. Stir in some of the bacon for flavour but reserve some for the top so it stays nice and crispy.