Description
Comforting potato soup celebrates hearty flavors from rural kitchens. Home cooks will savor this simple, warming classic that connects generations through nourishing ingredients you can enjoy with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 6 cups diced potatoes (4 – 5 medium russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer soup)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat until it sizzles. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and introduce diced potatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender and easily mashed.
- For a more robust texture, create a thickening slurry by whisking flour into milk until smooth. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, allowing the soup to gradually thicken.
- Introduce milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to integrate. Maintain a low simmer for 4-5 minutes, ensuring the soup reaches a consistent temperature without boiling.
- For a velvety consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Leave some potato chunks intact for textural contrast, creating a rustic and hearty presentation.
- Transfer the creamy soup into serving bowls. Embellish with crispy crumbled bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, freshly chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of parsley for a visually appealing and flavor-packed finish.
Notes
- Swap butter with olive oil for a healthier version that keeps the rich flavor profile intact.
- Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting bacon for protein-packed garnishes like roasted chickpeas or tofu crumbles.
- Dial down dairy for lactose-sensitive diners by using unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
- Boost nutrition by leaving potato skins on, which contain extra fiber and minerals, and adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery during initial sauteing for deeper flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg