Carrot-Rice Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 -3 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup long-grain white rice
6 cups canned chicken broth
4 cups sliced carrots (about 6 large)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/4 cup fat-free half-and-half
pepper
chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation

Cook bacon over medium low to medium heat, in soup pot, stirring frequently, until crisp and brown. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel to drain.
Add onion to drippings in pan. Saute until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes.
Add rice and stir to coat.
Add broth, carrots, sugar and nutmeg and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until carrots and rice are tender, about 20 minutes.
Puree soup in batches in blender; put into another pan. Mix in half-and-half. Season with pepper. Gently reheat if necessary.
Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with bacon and parsley, if using, and serve.