BACON-LETTUCE AND TOMATO SOUP

Bacon-Lettuce and Tomato Soup image

Provided by Pat Duran

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

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6 slice bacon, cut into 1/4 inch strips
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 stalk(s) celery, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
3 c beef stock
2 Tbsp fresh chopped basil ( or 2 teas. dried)
1 strip orange peel 1x1/2 inch long
1 tsp salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 c shredded romaine lettuce

Steps:

1. Cut and fry bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes, drain on paper towels. To the bacon grease in the pan add the carrots, onion, celery and garlic;sauté over medium heat until tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, stock, basil, orange zest, salt, sugar, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil and then turn down heat, cover skillet and simmer for 30 minutes.Turn off heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Puree the mixture in small batches in a blender at high speed or in a food processor until smooth about 1 minute. Return puree to the skillet or large saucepan and cook over moderate heat until heated through about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in shredded lettuce and heat until lettuce is wilted about 1 minute or a little more. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon , a bit of lettuce and tomato,for garnish. Enjoy!