Description
Few dishes provide the warmth and comfort of a well-made bowl of Potato Soup. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a rainy day, potato soup has a special place in our hearts and stomachs. In this article, we’ll explore the culinary wonder of potato soup and how to prepare it to perfection.
Ingredients
4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 finely chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to your taste
Optional toppings: grated cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon, sour cream
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, so add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Allow it to cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
While continuously stirring to prevent lumps, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Introduce the cubed potatoes to the pot and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for around 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes turn tender.
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher or a spoon to slightly mash some of them in the soup. This technique will help thicken the soup and give it a creamier consistency.
Incorporate the heavy cream or half-and-half into the mixture, allowing the soup to simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes. This step will enable the flavors to blend harmoniously.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary with more salt and pepper.
Remove the pot from the heat. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup according to your preferred consistency. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a more textured experience.
Serve the Creamy Potato Soup in bowls and garnish with your chosen toppings, such as grated cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
Enjoy the comforting warmth of the soup. Keep in mind that this recipe is versatile, allowing you to personalize it by incorporating additional ingredients like carrots, celery, leeks, or herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Furthermore, you can adjust the level of creaminess by modifying the amount of heavy cream on your preferences.