Potato Bacon and Sauerkraut Soup

I made this recipe every Tuesday when I had a small restaurant in Birch Hills, Sask. Some folks came in for it every single week and I took to calling them the “Potato Bacon Sauerkraut People”!

 

Cut: Bacon
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 9-10

 

Ingredient:

  • 5 lbs (2.2 kgs) potatoes, peeled and medium diced

  • 2 lbs (1 kg) thick sliced applewood smoked bacon, diced

  • 2 cups (500 mL) celery, fine diced

  • 2 cups (500 mL) carrots, fine diced

  • 2 Tbsp (30 mL) garlic, minced

  • 2 cups (500 mL) onion, diced

  • 2 tsp (10 mL) dried basil

  • 2 tsp (10 mL) ground black pepper

  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) all-purpose flour (or cornstarch if gluten free is desired)

  • 4 cups (1 L) at least 2 % milk

  • 9 cups (2.1 L) water

  • 2 cups (500 mL) sauerkraut, drained

  • Salt to taste

Directions:

  1. Place potatoes in a large, heavy bottomed pot with the water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.

  2. In a very large saucepan, sauté bacon until it starts to brown. Add celery, carrots, garlic and onion and cook, stirring constantly, until onions are tender and starting to brown. Add dried basil and pepper.

  3. Sprinkle flour over veggies and bacon and stir to coat. Pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. When thickened, put entire mixture into pot with potatoes and water. Add sauerkraut.

  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until potatoes are tender. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!

Nutritional Analysis:

 

YIELD:

9-10 servings.
 

SERVING SIZE:

2 cups (500 mL).

Per Serving
Calories 560
Total Fat 32 g
Saturated Fat 11 g
Cholesterol 55 mg
Carbohydrates 42 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugars 8 g
Protein 26 g
Sodium 1550 mg
Potassium 842 mg
 

Source: Jenni Lessard