Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon

Here’s a delicious recipe for Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon. This hearty soup is comforting and full of flavor, with soft gnocchi, creamy broth, and a savory touch of rosemary bacon. Perfect for cozy evenings!

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

For the Rosemary Bacon:

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rosemary Bacon:

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
2. Infuse the rosemary: In the remaining bacon fat in the skillet, add the chopped rosemary and cook for 1–2 minutes to release its flavor.
3. Add maple syrup (optional): For a sweet-savory contrast, drizzle the maple syrup into the pan with the rosemary. Stir to combine, then remove the skillet from heat.
4. Crumble the bacon: Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

Prepare the Soup:

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the broth and cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions (usually about 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the top).
4. Season the soup: Taste and season with salt and pepper. If you like, add spinach or kale for extra greens, letting them wilt into the soup.
5. Finish the soup: Once the gnocchi are cooked, remove the pot from heat.

Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with crumbled rosemary bacon.
2. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for added richness.
3. Enjoy your creamy gnocchi soup with a side of crusty bread!

Tips:

• Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Add more herbs: If you love herbs, feel free to add thyme, sage, or bay leaves to the soup for extra flavor.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give the soup a nice kick.

This creamy gnocchi soup is sure to become a favorite, with the crispy bacon and rosemary adding a wonderful depth of flavor!