Potato & Smoked Bacon Soup

Taken from Dorinda Hafners 'Tastes of Britain', this traditional Irish soup is hearty and good for winters days.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 50  g butter
• 1  large onion, finely chopped
• 110  g streaky bacon, de rinded & chopped into large dice
• 450 -550  g potatoes, cubed
• 900  ml ham or 900  ml  bacon  stock
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
•  salt & pepper

Directions

1. Heat butter in large saucepan on moderate flame.
2. When butter foams, add onion & bacon; sauté until bacon is crisp.
3. Add cubed potatoes; turn heat to low and cook for further 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the stock, turn up flame, bring to a boil.
5. Lower flame and gently simmer until potatoes are soft & tender.
6. Add pepper.
7. Pour soup into blender and puree smooth.
8. Serve in soup bowls with a swirl of cream.