Lettuce Soup

Lettuce Soup Recipe from France - Delicious and Nutritious

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lettuce soup may sound unusual, but it is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the flavors of bacon, lettuce, and a creamy broth to create a unique and satisfying soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Lettuce soup has been around for centuries and has roots in European cuisine. It was originally a way to use up leftover lettuce that was starting to wilt, and it has since become a popular dish in many households. The addition of bacon adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) thick slab bacon
flour
milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 bunches leaf lettuce
salt

How to prepare

In a cast iron skillet (this is the best, but you can use any type of skillet), fry 2 lb (907 g) of bacon to render the fat, but not crisp the bacon.
Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the fat in the pan.
Allow the fat to brown slightly.
For every 2 tbsp of browned fat rendered, add 2 tbsp of flour.
Stir constantly to brown the flour in the fat until it reaches a deep golden brown color.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent curdling when the milk is added.
Once cooled, add 1 cup of milk for every 2 tbsp of flour used.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Add torn up lettuce and cut up bacon to the browned fat and flour mixture.
Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Add eggs to the mixture, making sure to stir it throughout the soup.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 1 hour, or until the lettuce is cooked down.
Season with salt to taste.
Serve with a crusty French bread.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Add some diced potatoes or carrots for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to render the bacon fat slowly to ensure that it doesn't burn.

- Stir constantly when adding the flour to the fat to prevent lumps from forming.

- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the milk to prevent curdling.

- Be sure to stir the soup constantly once the eggs are added to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lettuce soup with a side of crusty French bread for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the flour in the bacon fat until it reaches a deep golden brown color to ensure a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free version of this soup.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Just be sure to stir it well to recombine the ingredients.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and eggs.

Summary

This lettuce soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Lettuce soup is a unique and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With the rich flavors of bacon, lettuce, and a creamy broth, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a cool autumn day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor with her garden. As a token of appreciation, she handed me a bunch of fresh lettuce from her garden. I had never heard of lettuce soup before, but she assured me it was a delicious and comforting dish.

I was intrigued by the idea of turning a leafy green vegetable into a hearty soup, so I eagerly accepted her offer and headed home to give it a try. I carefully washed and chopped the lettuce, then sautéed it with some onions and garlic in a pot with a bit of butter. The smell of the onions caramelizing filled my kitchen, and I knew I was onto something special.

Next, I added some chicken broth, a splash of cream, and a pinch of nutmeg for a touch of warmth. I let the soup simmer for a while, allowing the flavors to meld together and the lettuce to soften. Finally, I pureed the mixture until it was smooth and velvety, then seasoned it with salt and pepper to taste.

As I took my first spoonful of the lettuce soup, I was blown away by the delicate yet rich flavors. The sweetness of the caramelized onions complemented the earthy taste of the lettuce perfectly, while the cream added a luxurious creaminess to the dish. I savored each spoonful, feeling grateful for my neighbor's thoughtful gift and the chance to try something new.

From that day on, lettuce soup became a regular dish in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply as a cozy meal on a chilly evening. Over the years, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding fresh herbs, crispy bacon, or a squeeze of lemon for a burst of brightness.

As I continued to make lettuce soup, I shared the recipe with friends and family members who were curious about this unconventional dish. Some were skeptical at first, but after trying a bowl, they were hooked. They would ask for the recipe, eager to recreate the magic in their own kitchens.

One day, while visiting my aunt in the countryside, I had the chance to taste her version of lettuce soup. She had added a handful of peas and some tender chunks of ham to the mix, giving the soup a heartier and more substantial texture. I loved how the sweetness of the peas contrasted with the savory ham, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Inspired by my aunt's twist on the recipe, I decided to incorporate peas and ham into my own version of lettuce soup. The result was a delicious and comforting dish that reminded me of the warm embrace of family and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

As the years passed, I continued to make lettuce soup, each bowl a reminder of the journey I had taken to discover this hidden gem of a recipe. I thought about all the people who had shared their culinary knowledge with me, from my neighbor with the garden to my aunt in the countryside. Each recipe was a gift, a piece of their story that they had passed down to me.

And now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of lettuce soup on the stove, I can't help but smile at the memories that swirl around me. The laughter of friends, the warmth of family, the joy of discovering a new recipe—all of it woven together in a simple yet delicious bowl of soup.

I hope that one day, when I pass on this recipe to my grandchildren, they will feel the same sense of wonder and gratitude that I did when I first tasted lettuce soup. And perhaps, in their own kitchens, they will create their own version of this timeless dish, adding their own twist and making it their own.

But for now, I will savor each spoonful of lettuce soup, feeling grateful for the journey that brought me to this moment. And as I take my last bite, I know that the memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will always be a happy one.