Potato Soup

Imagine the comforting aroma of simmering onions and garlic filling your kitchen as you prepare this heartwarming potato soup.

It’s a simple, yet luxurious dish that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.

Watch as the humble potatoes transform into a velvety blend, enriched with creamy milk and melted cheddar cheese.

Ready to savor a bowl of pure comfort? Let’s bring this delightful dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 4 cups potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chives, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Potato Soup, you can create a timeline based on the provided prep and cook times:

1. Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Review the recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Time (15 minutes):
   • Dice 4 cups of potatoes.
   • Chop 1 medium onion.
   • Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
   • Shred 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
   • Chop 2 tablespoons of chives.
3. Cooking Time (30 minutes):
   • Minute 1-3: Heat the large pot over medium heat and melt the butter.
   • Minute 4-6: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
   • Minute 7-9: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
   • Minute 10-12: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
   • Minute 13-32: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Blending & Final Steps (5 minutes):
   • Minute 33-35: Use a ladle to transfer half of the soup mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
   • Minute 36-38: Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted.
   • Minute 39: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Resting Time (5 minutes):
   • Minute 40-44: Let the soup rest before serving.
6. Serving (1 minute):
   • Minute 45: Garnish each serving with chopped chives.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the large pot over medium heat and melt the butter.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Use a ladle to transfer half of the soup mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish each serving with chopped chives.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad adds a light and invigorating contrast.
• Bacon Bits: Sprinkle on top for a savory crunch and extra flavor.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that complements the soup’s creaminess.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside for a hearty and nutritious meal.

Storage

To store potato soup, let it cool and transfer to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently to prevent curdling.

Freezing

To freeze potato soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it to airtight containers. Label with the date and freeze.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently to prevent curdling.

Reheating

When reheating potato soup, do so gently over low heat to prevent the milk from curdling.

Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.

Final Thoughts

Potato soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe provides a creamy and flavorful soup that can be customized to suit your preferences.

Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as a starter, this potato soup is sure to satisfy.

Remember to dice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.

If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend more of the soup mixture.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick.

Reheat gently to avoid curdling the milk. Enjoy your delicious homemade potato soup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?

Yes, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Make certain you choose a high-quality, low-sodium option for better control over seasoning. This swap maintains the soup’s flavor depth while accommodating vegetarian preferences. Adjust other spices as needed.

What Type of Potatoes Work Best for This Soup?

You’ll want to use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They’re perfect for maintaining structure during cooking. Russets work too, offering a fluffier texture, but they might break apart more easily.

How Can I Make the Soup Thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can create a slurry using 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the soup while simmering. Alternatively, mash some potatoes directly in the pot for added thickness.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup Dairy-Free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for regular milk. Use plant-based butter and skip cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Guarantee all substitutions are unsweetened for best results.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Potato Soup?

You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Dice them evenly for uniform cooking. Source fresh produce from local markets. Add them with the potatoes to guarantee they cook thoroughly, enhancing overall texture and flavor.