POTATO SOUP

Comfort in a Bowl: Heavenly Potato Soup Recipe

Prepare to warm your soul with a bowl of hearty and comforting potato soup. Whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly evening or craving a taste of home, this timeless recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every spoonful. With a rich and creamy base, tender chunks of potatoes, and savory bacon, this potato soup is a culinary masterpiece that will become a staple in your kitchen. Join us as we dive into the art of crafting this delectable dish, perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with loved ones.

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 (dissolved in 1 cup of hot potato 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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse and slice the baby red potatoes into small bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the finely diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot. In the same pot, sauté the diced onion and celery until softened.
3. Add the Potatoes and Liquid: Return the cooked bacon to the pot and add the sliced potatoes, milk, water, dissolved chicken bouillon cubes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Make the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Thicken the Soup: Gradually pour the roux into the simmering soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Finish with Cream and Herbs: Stir in the whipping cream and freshly chopped parsley, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the potato soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, fried bacon bits, and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or a combination of milk and chicken broth instead of whole milk.
• Customize the soup by adding additional vegetables such as carrots or corn for extra color and nutrients.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate the flavor profile of the soup. Thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika can add depth of flavor.
• To make the soup vegetarian-friendly, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon cubes.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Version: Substitute cauliflower florets for the potatoes to reduce the carbohydrate content. Use heavy cream instead of milk and omit the flour in the roux. Add extra shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits for added flavor and richness.
• Low-Carb Version: Follow the keto version instructions but further reduce the amount of onions and celery to minimize carbohydrate intake. Be mindful of the added garnishes and use them sparingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes for this soup? A: Yes, you can use Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or any other variety of potatoes you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of potato used.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time and freeze it? A: While you can freeze potato soup, keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the soup without the cream and garnishes, adding them when reheating.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon for convenience. Simply chop it into small pieces and add it to the soup during the cooking process.

Q: Can I use gluten-free flour to make the roux? A: Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickening agent to make the roux gluten-free.

Congratulations, you’ve mastered the art of crafting a comforting and delicious potato soup that’s sure to warm the hearts of all who indulge in it. With its creamy texture, savory bacon, and tender chunks of potatoes, this soup is a true testament to comfort food at its finest. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a starter to a larger feast, this potato soup is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Get creative with variations and adaptations to suit your taste preferences, and savor the comforting embrace of homemade goodness with every spoonful. Here’s to cozy nights in and the joy of sharing soul-warming meals with loved ones!