The Hairy Bikers’ recipe for Jerusalem artichoke soup with bacon and parsley croutons

THIS is a warm, velvety soup that’s packed with flavour.

If you would prefer to serve a vegetarian version, use a vegetable stock cube instead and leave the bacon out when you are making the croutons.

1

Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

50g butter

1 tbsp sunflower oil

1 large onion, roughly chopped

1kg Jerusalem artichokes

1 garlic clove, crushed

800ml chicken stock, fresh or from a stock cube

υSea salt flakes

Freshly ground black pepper

150ml milk

3 tbsp double cream (optional)

FOR THE CROUTONS: 

3 tbsp sunflower oil 

2 thick slices of white bread, crusts removed

3 rindless smoked streaky bacon rashers, cut into 1cm pieces

2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan with the oil. Gently fry the onion for 10 minutes until it is very soft, stirring occasionally. While the onion is cooking, peel the artichokes and cut them into small cubes.

2. Add the artichokes and garlic to the onion, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the artichokes begin to soften – don’t let them brown. Pour the stock into the pan and add a few pinches of salt and twists of black pepper. Bring to the boil, put the lid on the pan and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes or until the artichokes are soft. Give the soup a good stir every now and then.

3. While the soup is simmering, prepare the garnish. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a small non-stick frying pan. Cut the bread into small cubes and add them to the pan. Cook over a low to medium heat for 3-4 minutes, turning regularly, until the cubes are golden brown on all sides. Tip them into a bowl and return the pan to the heat.

4. Pour the remaining oil into the pan and add the bacon. Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon fat is golden and crisp. Put the cubes of bread back in the pan and toss them with the bacon for a minute or so. Set aside.

5.Remove the soup from the heat and leave it to stand for 10 minutes, then pour it into a food processor or blender. Add the milk and blend until it is as smooth and velvety as possible. Pour the soup back into the pan and adjust the seasoning to taste. Add double cream (if using) for a richer soup, or more milk if the soup appears too thick.

6. Heat through gently, stirring regularly. Warm the bacon croutons over a low heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and sprinkle with the croutons and bacon to serve.