Bacon, Squash and Quinoa Chowder

Bacon adds its porky savor to this healthy, colorful chowder chock-a-block full of squash, quinoa and spinach.

Serves 4 to 6 | Total Time: Less Than 60 Mins

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package Applegate Naturals^® Sunday Bacon^® Brand, or Applegate Organics^® Sunday Bacon^® Brand, chopped
4 cups diced butternut squash
1 bunch scallions, chopped
8 cups chicken broth or water
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1½ cups cooked quinoa
1 (5-ounce) container baby spinach, chopped

Combine the bacon and squash in a heavy pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon has rendered and squash is softened, 10 to 12 minutes.
Add half of the chopped scallions (save the remaining for garnish) and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper and bring to a simmer.
Simmer until the squash is fully tender, about 15 minutes.
Stir in the cooked quinoa and the spinach and simmer until the spinach is tender, about 5 minutes. Adjust the seasonings.
Serve the soup garnished with the remaining scallions.