Cream Potato Soup

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A potato soup filled with chunks of tender, hearty potatoes made with a rich, creamy soup base. This soup is a reader favorite and for good reason: it’s easy to make and absolutely delicious! Top it with cheddar cheese and bacon and no one can resist.

An Engaging Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of Cream Potato Soup. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little bit of comfort. This recipe brings together the simple goodness of potatoes with a rich, creamy base, creating a soup that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just for yourself, this soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This potato soup has everything you want in a comfort food dish: it’s creamy, filling, and full of flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be dressed up with toppings like cheddar cheese and bacon, making it irresistible.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Ladle
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

• 6 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 5 medium potatoes, cut into small 3/4-inch cubes)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
• 1 1/4 cups peeled and diced carrots (3 medium)
• 1 cup diced celery (2 stalks)
• 2 cans low sodium chicken broth (14.5 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Optional toppings: Chopped cooked bacon or chopped cooked ham, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions or chives.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine potatoes, carrots, celery, and diced onions with chicken broth in a large pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat (it will take about 10 minutes to reach a boil).
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes, until potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
5. While whisking, slowly add the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.
6. When potatoes are tender, add the thickened milk mixture to the potato soup mixture and stir (potatoes should begin to break down into soup).
7. Add sour cream and mix well.
8. Ladle soup into serving bowls, top each serving with bacon or ham, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to dice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Use a whisk when adding the milk to the flour mixture to prevent lumps from forming.
• For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some of the potatoes before adding the sour cream.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Add some garlic when sautéing the onions for an extra flavor boost.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This creamy potato soup is not only delicious but also provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the potatoes and vegetables. Depending on the toppings you choose, it can also provide protein and calcium from the cheese and bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.

Can I freeze this potato soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the sour cream. Add the sour cream when reheating after thawing.

What can I serve with potato soup?
Crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables complement this soup beautifully.

Conclusion

This Cream Potato Soup is an ultimate comfort food that is sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it’s a dish that you’ll come back to time and time again. Try it out and don’t forget to share your experience with us. We’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own!

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