Potato soup. Just the words evoke images of warmth, comfort, and home-cooked goodness. This classic dish is a staple for a reason – it’s simple to make, incredibly versatile, and deeply satisfying.
This recipe offers a creamy, flavorful take on traditional potato soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy lunch.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 6 people
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, bacon bits
Execution:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Add the Potatoes and Broth: Add the cubed potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: Carefully transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. This creates a creamy base for the soup. Pour the blended soup back into the pot.
- Stir in Milk/Cream and Season: Stir in the milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the potato soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, or bacon bits.
Additional Tips:
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes instead of blending them.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or celery along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you don’t have broth, you can use water with bouillon cubes or powder.
- For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and a plant-based milk or cream alternative.
Health Benefits of Potato Soup
While traditionally considered a comfort food, potato soup can offer some health benefits when prepared with wholesome ingredients. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
They also contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function. Using a broth base and adding vegetables can further enhance the nutritional value of the soup.
However, be mindful of added salt, fat, and toppings like cheese and sour cream, as these can increase the calorie and fat content. Choosing lower-fat milk or cream options and loading up on vegetables can make this dish a more nutritious choice.
