Broccoli and Bacon Soup

Great for wintery lunches. From a Nigel Slater recipe.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 30  g butter
• 1  medium onion, roughly chopped
• 200  g smoked streaky bacon
• 350  g white potatoes, washed and cut into chunks
• 1 1⁄2 liters  chicken stock
• 400  g broccoli, including stalk, chopped
• 150  ml milk
•  salt and white pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large pan, then add the onion and sweat over a medium heat until soft, but not browned.
2. Roughly chop half the bacon and add it to the pan along with the potato. Stir to coat everything then add the stock, boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the chopped broccoli stalk, but not the flower yet. Continue to cook for a further 5 minutes, until the potato is soft.
4. Add the rest of the broccoli and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir through the milk and return to a simmer.
5. Blend the soup until smooth and season to taste. To serve, grill the remainder of the bacon until crispy and crumble it on top.