30-Minute Potato Soup

Making a 30-minute potato soup is straightforward, requiring just a few kitchen staples.

You start by sautéing onion and garlic until fragrant, creating a savory foundation.

Then, diced potatoes simmer in chicken broth, absorbing rich flavors.

Heavy cream adds a creamy texture, turning the soup luscious.

Optional toppings like bacon bits or cheddar cheese can enhance taste.

With a sprinkle of fresh parsley, the dish is ready, but there’s more to discover.

Kitchen Tools Required

To create this comforting potato soup, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools that guarantee a smooth cooking process.

Start with a large pot, essential for accommodating both the potatoes and broth.

Use a knife and cutting board to efficiently dice the potatoes and onions, ensuring uniformity for even cooking.

A peeler is essential for easily removing potato skins.

Precision in measuring liquids is achieved with a measuring cup, important for maintaining the soup’s consistency.

Incorporate a wooden spoon for stirring and mashing the potatoes slightly, enhancing texture.

Finally, a ladle is important for serving, ensuring each portion is perfectly presented.

These tools streamline your preparation, providing an efficient, hassle-free cooking experience for your potato soup.

Recipe

Potato soup is a comforting and classic dish that warms the soul with its creamy texture and rich flavor.

This American-style soup is perfect for cozy evenings, offering a hearty meal that’s both fulfilling and simple to prepare.

With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a delightful soup in just about 30 minutes.

The use of chicken broth adds depth to the dish, while heavy cream gives it the creamy finish that makes it so irresistible.

This potato soup recipe is designed to serve four people, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or a small gathering.

It involves basic kitchen equipment such as a large pot, a ladle, and a wooden spoon, ensuring that the cooking process is straightforward and stress-free.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious outcome every time.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

To prepare this flavorful potato soup, start by heating a tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they become soft and fragrant.

Next, add the diced potatoes, stirring them briefly to coat them in the butter and onion mixture.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Use a wooden spoon to slightly mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup.

Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the soup thickens.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and shredded cheddar cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

For a richer taste, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with sour cream, which adds a tangy twist to the soup.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash more of the potatoes using a potato masher.

Adding cooked bacon bits or diced ham can enhance the flavor profile and provide extra protein.

Always taste the soup before serving to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

This flexible recipe allows for creativity and experimentation, ensuring you enjoy a personalized version of this comforting dish.

Cook & Prep Time

Preparing and cooking this potato soup requires a total of 30 minutes, divided into specific tasks for maximum efficiency.

You’ll spend 10 minutes on prep work and 20 minutes on cooking.

Begin by gathering your equipment and ingredients. Efficient time management is key, so follow this timeline:

• Prep Time (10 minutes):
• Peel and dice 3 medium potatoes.
• Dice 1 medium onion.
• Mince 3 cloves of garlic.
• Cook Time (20 minutes):
• Heat butter and sauté onions and garlic.
• Boil and simmer potatoes in chicken broth.

Prioritize precision to guarantee everything is ready when needed.

Cooking Steps

Start by heating the butter in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring it melts evenly.

Next, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.

Incorporate the diced potatoes, then add the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.

Step 1. Melt Butter in Pot

Begin by placing the large pot on the stove over medium heat.

Add one tablespoon of butter to the pot.

As the butter begins to melt, monitor it closely to guarantee it doesn’t brown; you want it fully melted with a clear, golden appearance.

This step is vital for achieving the right flavor base for your soup.

Use a wooden spoon to gently swirl the butter around the pot, confirming even distribution.

Remember to:

• Keep the heat at medium to prevent butter from burning.
• Use unsalted butter for more control over seasoning.
• Stir continuously for even melting.
• Avoid overheating, which can cause separation.
• Be prepared for the next step once the butter is ready.

Following these guidelines will set the stage for a delicious soup.

Step 2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

Toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the pot with the melted butter.

Stir them gently using a wooden spoon, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Maintain the heat at medium, allowing the ingredients to sauté without browning.

Your goal is a translucent onion and fragrant garlic, achieved in approximately 3-4 minutes.

Watch closely, as overcooking can result in bitterness.

Keep the wooden spoon moving, ensuring nothing sticks to the pot’s bottom.

You’ll notice the aroma intensifying, signaling readiness.

At this stage, the onion should be soft, and the garlic should have released its aroma and flavor.

This forms a flavorful base, setting the stage for the subsequent addition of other ingredients in your soup preparation process.

Step 3. Incorporate Diced Potatoes

Once the onion and garlic are perfectly sautéed, promptly add the diced potatoes to the pot.

Stir the mixture briefly, guaranteeing the potatoes are evenly coated with the aromatic butter and garlic blend.

This step is vital to infuse the potatoes with flavor and prevent them from sticking to the pot’s base.

Make certain your potatoes are:

• Diced evenly to guarantee uniform cooking
• Peeled thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture
• Measured precisely to maintain recipe balance
• Stirred gently to avoid breaking them apart
• Added at the right moment for ideal absorption

Maintaining a consistent medium heat is essential during this phase.

This guarantees the potatoes start to soften slightly without browning.

Avoid overcrowding the pot, which could hinder even cooking.

Step 4. Add Chicken Broth, Boil Mixture

Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed onions, garlic, and potatoes, making sure it covers all the diced ingredients.

Use a measuring cup for accuracy, adding exactly four cups.

Increase the heat to high, allowing the mixture to reach a rolling boil.

Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking and guarantee even heating.

Watch closely as the broth begins bubbling, signaling the start of the boiling phase.

This step is essential for melding flavors and initiating the cooking process of the potatoes.

Maintain this boil for a few minutes, ensuring all ingredients are fully immersed and well heated.

Avoid covering the pot, as this guarantees the boil is maintained without unnecessary steam buildup.

Step 5. Simmer Until Potatoes Soften

After the broth reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, ensuring it maintains gentle bubbles.

This step is essential for softening the potatoes without overcooking them.

It typically takes about 15 minutes for the potatoes to become tender.

To verify, pierce a potato cube with a fork; it should slide in effortlessly.

Monitor the simmer closely by:

• Adjusting the heat to maintain consistent bubbling
• Stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking
• Checking the potatoes’ tenderness at 10-minute intervals
• Ensuring the lid is slightly ajar for steam release
• Avoiding vigorous boiling to preserve soup texture

Once the potatoes are soft, use a wooden spoon to slightly mash them, enhancing the soup’s creaminess.

Final Thoughts

With its simplicity and rich flavor, this 30-Minute Potato Soup is a reliable choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

You’ve now mastered a recipe that demands minimal time while delivering maximum taste.

Confirm you’ve gathered all necessary equipment and ingredients as outlined: a large pot, ladle, knife, cutting board, peeler, measuring cup, and wooden spoon.

Precision in preparation is key—dice potatoes and onions uniformly for even cooking.

Monitor the simmering process closely to achieve the desired tenderness and texture.

Slightly mashing some potatoes creates a thicker consistency, complementing the creaminess of the heavy cream.

Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Garnish with parsley and cheddar for a touch of freshness and color, enhancing the overall presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Confirm the cheese is vegetarian, and you’re good to go. Adjust seasonings to taste, and consider adding vegetables like celery or carrots for extra flavor.

How Can I Store Leftover Potato Soup?

Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to guarantee even warming.

What Type of Potatoes Work Best?

You should use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for best results. Yukon Golds provide a creamy texture, while Russets offer a fluffy consistency. Make certain you peel and dice them evenly to guarantee uniform cooking throughout the soup.

Is It Possible to Freeze This Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Avoid freezing if you’ve added sour cream, as it may separate. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Can This Recipe Be Made in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Sauté onions and garlic first, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, except cream. Cook on low for 6 hours, stir in cream, then serve.