POTATO SOUP

If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying dish to warm you up, look no further than this Creamy and Hearty Potato Soup. With its rich and creamy texture, this soup is packed with flavor from tender baby red potatoes, crispy bacon, and a blend of savory seasonings. Perfect for chilly days or any time you need a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds baby red potatoes, sliced into small bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 lb. uncooked bacon, finely diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 bunch celery, diced
• 8 cups milk
• 3 cups water
• 4 chicken bouillon cubes (use 1 cup of the hot potato water to dissolve, then use the 3 cups of water)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup salted butter
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 bunch freshly chopped parsley
• 1 cup whipping cream

For Garnish:

• Shredded cheese
• Fried bacon bits
• Chopped green onions

Directions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the sliced potatoes for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a sauté pan, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crisp. Drain the bacon fat and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain further.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and celery to the bacon pan and cook over medium-high heat until the celery is tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the cooked potatoes, milk, water, chicken bouillon cubes (dissolved in 1 cup of hot potato water), salt, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it is very hot, about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Make the Roux: In a small, heavy saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour. Mix well and cook over medium-low heat until the mixture bubbles, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to create a roux.
6. Thicken the Soup: Slowly add the roux to the hot soup while stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the soup thickens and becomes creamy, about 4 minutes.
7. Finish the Soup: Stir in the chopped parsley, reserved potatoes, and whipping cream. Cook until everything is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, fried bacon bits, and chopped green onions, or any combination of these. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Serve Hot: Potato soup is best enjoyed hot. Ladle it into bowls and serve immediately to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor.
2. Garnish Options: Offer a variety of garnishes such as shredded cheese, fried bacon bits, and chopped green onions. This allows everyone to customize their bowl to their taste.
3. Accompaniments: Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a light sandwich for a well-rounded meal.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much as it sits, simply stir in a little milk or water to reach your desired consistency.

Storage Tips

1. Cooling: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup from becoming watery.
2. Refrigeration: Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
3. Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
4. Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a little milk or water to reach the desired consistency.
5. Avoid Freezing Cream-Based Soups: Cream-based soups like this one can sometimes separate or become grainy after freezing. For best results, freeze without the cream and stir it in after reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your creamy potato soup at its best and ensure it remains delicious for future meals.

Variations:

1. Cheesy Potato Soup
   • Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup along with the cream. Stir until melted for a rich, cheesy flavor.
2. Loaded Potato Soup
   • Top the soup with additional garnishes such as crumbled bacon, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions for a “loaded” version.
3. Vegetarian Potato Soup
   • Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon and water. You can add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor.
4. Spicy Potato Soup
   • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for some heat. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
5. Bacon and Leek Potato Soup
   • Substitute the onion with leeks and sauté them along with the bacon. The leeks add a subtle, sweet flavor to the soup.
6. Herbed Potato Soup
   • Incorporate a variety of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill. Add them during the cooking process for a burst of fresh flavor.
7. Garlic Potato Soup
   • Add minced garlic to the bacon and vegetable mixture for an extra depth of flavor. You can also roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, more complex taste.
8. Creamy Potato and Cauliflower Soup
   • Substitute half of the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter version. The cauliflower blends into the soup and adds a subtle creaminess.
9. Sour Cream Potato Soup
   • Stir in a cup of sour cream instead of or in addition to the whipping cream for a tangy twist on the traditional recipe.
10. Gourmet Potato Soup
    • Enhance the soup with gourmet ingredients such as truffle oil or finely diced sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients can add a touch of sophistication and unique flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to find your perfect version of creamy potato soup!

FAQs:

1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this soup?
   • Yes, you can use other types of potatoes such as russet or Yukon gold. However, baby red potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and rich flavor.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
3. Can I freeze potato soup?
   • Yes, you can freeze the soup, but note that cream-based soups may sometimes separate. For best results, freeze without the cream and add it after reheating.
4. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
   • Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon. You can also add extra vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
   • Yes, you can use dairy-free milk (like almond or coconut milk) and dairy-free cream alternatives. Use dairy-free butter or margarine and skip the cheese for garnishing.
6. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
   • If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding more of the roux mixture or by using an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup until smooth.
7. What can I use as a substitute for chicken bouillon cubes?
   • You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of bouillon cubes. Adjust the salt in the recipe as needed since broth can be salty.
8. Can I add meat other than bacon?
   • Yes, you can add other types of meat like ham, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just cook it beforehand and stir it into the soup.
9. How can I make the soup spicier?
   • Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the soup. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
10. What are some good garnishes for potato soup?
    • Popular garnishes include shredded cheese, fried bacon bits, chopped green onions, sour cream, and fresh herbs. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste.

These FAQs should help address common questions and guide you in making the perfect creamy potato soup for any occasion!