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Million Dollar Soup

Creamy Million Dollar Soup That Feels Like a Warm Hug

This Million Dollar Soup is a luxurious blend of caramelized onions, tender chicken, and crispy bacon for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for richness
  • 2 tablespoons butter can be substituted with dairy-free margarine
  • 2 cups caramelized onions substitute with shallots for a milder taste
  • 2 stalks celery consider adding carrots for extra sweetness
  • 1 bulb fennel omit if you prefer
  • 4 cloves garlic fresh garlic is always best
  • 1 cup white wine substitute with broth for a non-alcoholic version
  • 4 cups chicken stock use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option
  • 2 cups chopped kale spinach can be used as a quick substitute
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce opt for tamari for gluten-free version
For the Soup Ingredients
  • 2 cups shredded chicken breast or turkey or cubed tofu for variations
  • 1 package potato gnocchi substitute with small pasta if needed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese mix in your favorite cheese or omit for a lighter soup
  • 1 cup heavy cream coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste or leave it out for a milder soup
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Parmesan bread crumbs use regular bread crumbs mixed with nutritional yeast for a vegan topping
  • 4 slices crispy bacon substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option
For Thickening
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch arrowroot powder is a suitable gluten-free alternative
  • ¼ cup cold water

Equipment

  • Heavy Soup Pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by prepping your heavy soup pot over medium heat and a separate skillet.
  2. In the skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown and fragrant.
  3. While the onions caramelize, mix 1 cup of panko bread crumbs with ½ cup of grated Parmesan and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl.
  4. In the heavy soup pot, heat 2 more tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add diced celery, chopped fennel, and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  5. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock along with 2 cups of chopped kale and half of the crispy bacon. Season with soy sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Allow to simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in 2 cups of shredded chicken breast and 1 package of potato gnocchi, cooking for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface.
  7. Whisk together 1 cup of warmed heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and a mixture of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and ¼ cup of cold water. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup, cooking for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
  8. Ladle the steaming Million Dollar Soup into bowls and sprinkle with reserved crispy bacon and toasted Parmesan crumbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor. Warm heavy cream before adding it to avoid curdling.

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