POTATO SOUP WITH PUMPERNICKEL GRATIN

Potato Soup with Pumpernickel Gratin image

A classic German potato soup steals a bit of French style when topped with melted cheese atop toasted bread.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium stalk celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 medium potatoes, peeled, chopped (3 cups)
2 (14-oz.) cans beef broth
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon caraway seed
4 (1/2-inch-thick) slices pumpernickel bread
4 oz. (1 cup) shredded Swiss cheese

Steps:

Cook bacon in Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from Dutch oven, reserving drippings; drain bacon on paper towels. Set aside.
To bacon drippings in Dutch oven, add celery and onion. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Drain.
Add potatoes, broth, water, caraway seed and cooked bacon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 6 to 8 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, place bread slices on ungreased cookie sheet. Broil 3 to 5 inches from heat for 2 to 4 minutes or until toasted, turning once. Sprinkle each slice with about 1/4 cup cheese. Broil an additional 1 to 3 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
To serve, ladle soup into individual soup bowls. Top each with 1 cheese-topped bread slice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1/4 of Recipe, Sodium 1410 mg, Sugar 3 g