POTATO SOUP WITH PUMPERNICKEL GRATIN

POTATO SOUP WITH PUMPERNICKEL GRATIN image

Provided by Ellen Bales

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 slice bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 c celery, finely chopped
1/4 - 1/3 c chopped onion
3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped (3 cups)
2 can(s) (14 oz. ea.) beef broth
1/2 c water
1/2 tsp caraway seed (i prefer a little more)
4 slice pumpernickel bread, 1/2-inch thick
4 oz shredded swiss cheese

Steps:

1. In a dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp; remove, reserving drippings. Drain bacon on paper towels and set aside.
2. Add celery and onion to the bacon drippings. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Drain.
3. Add potatoes, broth, water, caraway seed and cooked bacon (broken into 1-inch pieces). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Meanwhile, place bread slices on an ungreased cookie sheet. Broil 3 to 5 inches from heat for 2 to 4 minutes or until toasted, turning once. Sprinkle each bread slice with about 1/4 cup of swiss cheese. Broil 1 to 3 minutes more or until cheese is bubbly.
5. To serve, ladle soup into individual bowls. Top each bowl with 1 cheese-topped bread slice.
6. Enjoy!