creamy potato soup recipe

Did you know that potato soup is one of the top ten comfort foods in the United States? Its creamy texture and hearty flavor make it a staple in many households, especially during colder months. You might be surprised to learn how easily you can customize this classic dish to suit your taste preferences, from adding spices to incorporating various toppings. Understanding its rich history and the simple steps to prepare it can truly elevate your cooking experience. What's the secret ingredient that can transform your potato soup into something extraordinary?

Key Takeaways

  • Start with 2.5 lbs of diced gold potatoes and sauté onions in bacon fat for a flavorful base.
  • Add 4 cups of broth, 2 cups of milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream for a creamy texture.
  • Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes, then blend partially for desired consistency.
  • Season with garlic, ancho chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  • Serve hot with crusty bread or garnish with chives and crispy bacon for added flavor.

History

historical events and narratives

When you dive into the history of potato soup, you'll find that it has deep roots in early European cuisine, especially in Ireland and France. The 16th-century introduction of the potato by Spanish explorers sparked its use in various culinary traditions.

This hearty dish became a staple, particularly in America during the Great Depression, due to its affordability and filling nature. You'll discover that potato soup is often regarded as comfort food, with creamy textures achieved through local ingredients.

Over time, variations emerged globally, incorporating elements like bacon, herbs, and spices. Today, modern recipes blend traditional techniques with contemporary flavors, showcasing the soup's versatility while paying homage to its rich history.

Recipe

cooking instructions for meal

Potato soup is the perfect comfort food, especially during cold weather or for gatherings. This rich and creamy soup is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of gold potatoes, savory bacon, and a blend of spices. Whether you're serving it on a chilly evening or at a cozy get-together, this ultimate potato soup recipe is sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds.

The secret to achieving the perfect texture lies in the balance between creamy and chunky elements, which is accomplished by pureeing half of the soup. Topped with your choice of cheese, sour cream, and chives, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also brings a rich array of flavors to the table. So gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 lbs gold potatoes, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb chopped bacon
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • Cheese, sour cream, and chives for topping (optional)

In a large Dutch oven, fry the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.

Add the diced gold potatoes, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, ancho chili powder, salt, and ground pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until the potatoes are tender (approximately 15-20 minutes).

Once tender, use an immersion blender or transfer half of the soup to a blender to puree until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot, stir to combine, and reheat if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives if desired.

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a touch of your favorite herbs, such as thyme or parsley, during the simmering process. If you prefer a thicker consistency, feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream or blend more of the soup.

This potato soup can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or serving a crowd. Don't forget to customize your toppings according to your taste preferences; they can elevate your soup to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Cooking Steps

cooking process in detail

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, let's get started on those cooking steps.

You'll chop the potatoes finely and sauté the onions until they're soft, creating a flavorful base.

Then, you'll add broth and seasonings, simmer until the potatoes are tender, and blend it all into a creamy delight.

Step 1. Chop the Potatoes Finely

finely chop the potatoes

Start by cutting the potatoes into pieces no larger than ¾ inch to ensure they cook evenly and provide a consistent texture in your soup.

Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, preventing the potatoes from breaking apart during cooking. You can peel them for a smoother texture or leave the skins on for added fiber and nutrients.

After chopping, rinse the diced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, which helps keep the soup from becoming gummy. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy consistency when you blend part of the soup.

Uniformly dicing the potatoes promotes even cooking, giving you the perfect chunkiness that enhances the overall flavor and texture of your delicious potato soup.

Step 2. Sauté Onions Until Soft

saut onions until soft

Sauté the onions in bacon fat or butter over medium heat until they're translucent and tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Stir the onions occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, enhancing their natural sweetness. Adding a pinch of salt during this process helps draw out moisture, further softening them.

Once the onions reach that perfect tenderness, incorporate garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

Properly sautéed onions create a flavorful base for your potato soup, contributing to the overall richness. This simple step sets the stage for a delicious and comforting meal that you and your family will love.

Step 3. Add Broth and Seasonings

incorporate broth and seasonings

Once your sautéed vegetables are tender, it's time to add the diced potatoes and pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are completely submerged.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This allows the potatoes to cook until tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Next, season the broth with 1.5 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground pepper, and ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ancho chili powder to boost the flavor profile.

Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking while the potatoes absorb the delicious flavors.

Taste as it simmers, adjusting the seasonings to your liking before you proceed to puree part of the mixture for creaminess.

Step 4. Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender

simmer potatoes until tender

As you bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. This helps retain moisture and ensures your diced potatoes cook evenly.

Allow the potatoes to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking throughout the simmering process. The broth will blend beautifully with the potatoes, creating a flavorful base for your soup.

Keep an eye on the heat; you want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from heat before blending half of the soup for a creamy texture, leaving some chunks for added heartiness.

Step 5. Blend Until Smooth

blend ingredients until smooth

Blend the soup until smooth for a creamy consistency that elevates your potato soup.

Once your potatoes are tender after simmering for about 10-15 minutes, it's time to puree. If you're using an immersion blender, simply blend directly in the pot. For a traditional blender, fill it halfway to avoid overflow, and blend on the lowest setting for control.

If you prefer a chunky texture, blend only a portion of the soup and mix it back into the un-pureed part.

Remember to cut your potatoes into pieces no larger than ¾ inch before cooking to ensure even cooking and easy blending. This step is crucial for achieving that desired creamy texture in your delicious potato soup!

Final Thoughts

concluding reflections and insights

While exploring the joys of cooking, creamy potato soup stands out as a beloved comfort food that warms both the body and soul.

This rich and hearty dish, averaging 4.7 stars from over 3,000 reviews, showcases its popularity—especially in cold weather and gatherings. The recipe's flexibility lets you customize it with different potatoes, herbs, or toppings to suit your taste.

Preparation is straightforward, taking only about 30 minutes, making it perfect for all skill levels. The creamy texture, achieved through pureeing part of the soup, elevates its appeal, prompting positive feedback and repeat requests from family and friends.

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