BLT SOUP

BLT Soup image

"I'm always inventing new recipes or improving on old ones," says Sharon Richardson of Dallas, Texas. "Since the BLT is a family favorite, I created a soup with all the flavors of the sandwich. But I gave it extra zip by adding picante sauce."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons canola oil
3 cups cubed French bread
1 pound bacon strips, diced
2 cups finely chopped celery
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 cups chicken broth
1 jar (16 ounces) picante sauce
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups shredded lettuce

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add bread cubes; stir until crisp and golden brown. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings; set bacon aside. , Saute celery and onion in drippings until tender. Add sugar; cook and stir for 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. Gradually stir in flour; cook and stir for 1 minute or until blended. Add the broth, picante sauce, tomato sauce and pepper; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Just before serving, add lettuce and heat through. Sprinkle with croutons and bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 268 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 1689mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.