Classic Tomato Soup With Bacon

Perfect to go with that grilled cheese! This version of tomato soup starts with smoky bacon and gets better from there. It's comforting and savory. I have used half and half instead of the cream, 3 tablespoons. I think it would also be good using basil instead of the thyme. Please note, this only serves 2, you may need to double or triple the recipe. From Saveur magazine.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2  slices smoked bacon, cut into thin matchsticks
• 1⁄2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1  small onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1  small carrot, halved and thinly sliced (3/4 cup)
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 2  teaspoons flour
• 2  cups  chicken stock
• 1 1⁄2 cups  canned diced tomatoes, well drained
• 2  sprigs thyme
• 1  fresh bay leaf
• 1  garlic clove, lightly crushed
• 2  tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

1. Render bacon over medium heat in a 3-quart saucepan until crisp, about three minutes. Remove bacon to paper-towel lined plate and set aside, reserving the rendered fat in the saucepan.
2. Increase heat to medium-high and add the butter. Sauté the onion and carrot for 8-10 minutes or until very soft and beginning to caramelize, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture, mix well and continue cooking for another minute.
4. Gradually pour in the stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer soup for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove soup from the heat. Add the heavy cream and puree with an immersion blender until smooth.
7. Season to taste and serve garnished with the crisped bacon.