When the cold weather rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup to wrap your hands around and savor. This creamy and hearty dish is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and joy with every spoonful. I remember my grandmother making this on chilly evenings, filling the house with the delicious aroma of sautéed onions and garlic. It was a family favorite, and now I love passing it down to my kids. Trust me, once you try this potato soup, it’ll become a staple in your home too! You’ll find it’s not just easy to make but also a cozy hug in a bowl.
Ingredients List
- 4 large potatoes, diced – I love using russet potatoes for their creamy texture, but any kind will work!
- 1 onion, chopped – This adds a sweet and savory base to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes such a difference in flavor, trust me!
- 4 cups vegetable broth – You can use homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is what gives the soup that luscious, creamy goodness.
- Salt to taste – Just a pinch can elevate the flavors!
- Pepper to taste – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick.
- Chives for garnish – They not only look pretty but add a wonderful fresh flavor!
How to Prepare Potato Soup
Making this potato soup is a breeze, and I promise, you’ll be savoring it in no time! Let’s dive into the steps that’ll lead you to a steaming bowl of creamy goodness.
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. I usually sauté them for about 3-4 minutes or until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base for your soup. Just be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t brown too much—nobody wants burnt garlic in their potato soup!
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—those diced potatoes! Stir them into the pot, letting them mingle with the onions and garlic for a minute. Then, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil, which should take just a few minutes. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and practically falling apart, making it perfect for blending!
Step 3: Blend and Finish
After the simmering magic, grab an immersion blender and blend the soup right in the pot until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender—just be cautious with the hot liquid! Once it’s all blended, stir in that delicious heavy cream, along with salt and pepper to taste. If you want it a little thicker, feel free to adjust the cream to your liking. And there you have it—a beautiful, velvety potato soup ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty, perfect for chilly days.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Quick to prepare—it’s ready in just 45 minutes!
- Versatile; you can customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins.
- Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- Kid-friendly and a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Tips for Success
To make sure your potato soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of heavy cream based on how thick you like your soup—add more for a richer texture or less if you prefer it lighter. If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle in some shredded cheddar or parmesan for an extra layer of flavor that melts beautifully. Also, remember to taste and season with salt and pepper as you go; every potato is different! And if you want a fresh twist, consider adding in some cooked bacon or herbs right before serving. Yum!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s that good!), storing your potato soup is super easy. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture. If it thickens up too much, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Trust me, it’ll be just as delicious as the first bowl!
Nutritional Information
This creamy potato soup is not only delicious but also provides a satisfying balance of nutrients. Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on any additions or substitutions you make. Enjoy your cozy bowl of goodness!
FAQ About Potato Soup
Can I use different types of potatoes? Absolutely! While I love russet potatoes for their creamy texture, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Each will bring a unique flavor!
How can I make it dairy-free? No problem! Just substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of regular broth to keep it dairy-free.
Can I freeze potato soup? Yes! Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth to restore its creaminess.
What can I add for extra flavor? Feel free to get creative! Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, some cooked bacon, or even a sprinkle of cheese can take your soup to the next level!
Print
Potato Soup: 7 Comforting Ways to Warm Your Heart
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and hearty potato soup perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with chives.
Notes
- Use any type of potato.
- Adjust cream for desired thickness.
- Can add cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: potato soup, creamy soup, comfort food
