topic Re: bacon question in Kitchen

bacon question

GoneButNotForgotten — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:18:24 GMT

I'm getting ready to cook up some split pea soup, and want to add a little something to enhance the flavor.

I found 4 frozen strips in my freezer and here's what I want to know:

Should I cook the bacon before I put it in the pot with the peas?
Or should I put them in raw?

I'd like to put them in raw because it'll save me the work of cooking them. And, anyway, they'll come out all boiled-up looking and shriveled up looking anyway, whatever I do to them.

Please advise me.

Re: bacon question

LindaSal — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:20:35 GMT

I always cook the bacon first for any recipe.......sounds like you could use a bacon press, that prevents the bacon from becoming boiled up or shriveled as you described.......what time is dinner?

Re: bacon question

Somertime — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:27:17 GMT

@GoneButNotForgotten It's only 4 strips, I would put them in raw and let the flavor of the bacon and fat cook into the soup.

Re: bacon question

fthunt — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:28:10 GMT

Cooking first will get the excess fat out. 4 slices of bacon won't add much (more) flavor but looks nice floating around.

Re: bacon question

GoneButNotForgotten — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:29:27 GMT

hee hee--tommorow. I believe something like that always tastes better the 2nd day, after it's been chilled in the 'frige.

I live in WA state and would like to make some fried okra; a southern girl made that for me years ago and it was delicious. Obviously at this time of year I'd need to find frozen. Anyone in the Seattle 'burbs residents know where I can score some?

Re: bacon question

Kachina624 — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:31:07 GMT

I'd cook it first. Raw bacon floating in green soup is very repulsive to me. I'm not sure it would get thoroughly cooked.

Re: bacon question

Katcat1 — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:33:22 GMT

@GoneButNotForgotten Cook. The easiest way is in the Microwave. You need a paper plate and place a piece of paper towel over the plate, then add your bacon and cover with paper towel. For 4 slices of bacon about 3 minutes but check on the Internet for accracy on timing.

Re: bacon question

GoneButNotForgotten — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:34:33 GMT

@Katcat1 wrote:
@GoneButNotForgotten Cook. The easiest way is in the Microwave. You need a paper plate and place a piece of paper towel over the plate, then add your bacon and cover with paper towel. For 4 slices of bacon about 3 minutes but check on the Internet for accracy on timing.

Thank you for reminding me of that!

Re: bacon question

jackthebear — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:44:42 GMT

@Katcat1 wrote:
@GoneButNotForgotten Cook. The easiest way is in the Microwave. You need a paper plate and place a piece of paper towel over the plate, then add your bacon and cover with paper towel. For 4 slices of bacon about 3 minutes but check on the Internet for accracy on timing.

i agree with microwaving

Re: bacon question

Mz iMac — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:46:54 GMT

@GoneButNotForgotten

Cook the 4 slices of bacon

Pour the bacon grease over the peas

Eat the bacon

It's the grease from the bacon that is the flavor. Not just plain bacon.

In my neck of the woods, "fat back" is used for extra flavor.

Re: bacon question

jeanlake — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:53:55 GMT

@Mz iMac I got nuttin, but stop looking at me --- (your avatar) ---

Re: bacon question

fthunt — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:03:55 GMT

@jeanlake I love the EYE........we have loads of pets.................the EYE is something different.

Re: bacon question

fthunt — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:04:54 GMT

@Mz iMac Keep the EYE...............................................(wink)

Re: bacon question

ECBG — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:10:31 GMT

I would fry the bacon first, and pat with a paper towl. That way, less fat is added to the soup.

Re: bacon question

noodleann — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:16:01 GMT

A dash of liquid smoke might also help give it depth of flavor and a hammy association.

Re: bacon question

Desertdi — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:17:10 GMT

Best to use a ham hock, or a chunk of salt pork, or back fat. A few slices of bacon is not enough to season a pot of soup.

Add some "liquid smoke"......or a ring of smoked sausage, if you have it.

Re: bacon question

depglass — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:44:32 GMT

I think you will need that fat for flavor and even thej I'm wondering if that will be enough.

Re: bacon question

KaySD — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:47:13 GMT

I'd probably cook it first to render the fat, then use all or part of the fat to saute the aromatic vegetables, then add the peas and other ingredients. Then I'd crumble the cooked bacon and use it as a garnish.

Re: bacon question

J Town Girl — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 23:45:18 GMT

@GoneButNotForgotten wrote:
hee hee--tommorow. I believe something like that always tastes better the 2nd day, after it's been chilled in the 'frige.

I live in WA state and would like to make some fried okra; a southern girl made that for me years ago and it was delicious. Obviously at this time of year I'd need to find frozen. Anyone in the Seattle 'burbs residents know where I can score some?

I don't eat okra but I looked at the Whole Foods website and they have frozen okra at their Interbay store. I imagine they have it at their other Seattle stores.

Re: bacon question

wagirl — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 23:54:18 GMT

I would cut the bacon into small pieces, cook them and then cook the onions , carrots or whatever your recipe is, in the fat. Then use the bacon bits as garnish