Here’s a classic and comforting potato soup recipe, perfect for chilly days. This recipe is creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying, with layers of flavor from simple ingredients.
Classic Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream for extra creaminess
- Garnishes: chopped chives, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon
Instructions:
Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This will form a roux, which thickens the soup and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.
Add the Broth and Potatoes: Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth to dissolve the roux. Add the cubed potatoes, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender about 15-20 minutes.
Blend for Creaminess: Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, only blend half of the soup. Alternatively, transfer half to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Add Milk and Seasoning: Stir in the milk (or heavy cream), and season with salt and pepper. For added creaminess, you can also mix in sour cream at this stage. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is well combined.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chives, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Chef’s Tips:
- For extra depth, add a dash of smoked paprika or thyme.
- To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil and the milk for almond or coconut milk.
Enjoy this warm, cozy bowl of potato soup! It’s ideal as a starter or as a main dish with a side of crusty bread.