Creamy potato soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold day. Here’s a basic recipe for making the ultimate creamy potato soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream (for a richer soup, you can use half-and-half)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
- Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
- Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
- Add the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smooth, creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender, but be careful when blending hot liquids.
- Add Milk or Cream: Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or cream if needed.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add grated cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Simmer and Serve: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy potato soup hot. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions if desired.
This creamy potato soup is perfect as a meal on its own or as a starter for a larger dinner. You can also customize it by adding toppings like bacon bits, sour cream, or more cheese. Enjoy your ultimate creamy potato soup!