Are you looking for easy and healthy dinner ideas that don't require hours of slaving over a hot stove? Then you've come to the right place! Crock pot recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and red potatoes are the perfect ingredient for creating comforting and flavorful meals. Their delicate texture and slightly sweet taste make them incredibly versatile, adapting beautifully to a variety of cuisines and flavors. Today, we're sharing a simple yet delicious crock pot recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to enjoy the convenience of slow cooking combined with the wholesome goodness of red potatoes!
Creamy Crock Pot Red Potato and Sausage Soup
This hearty soup is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. It's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. It's a fantastic example of how simple homemade cooking can be, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the browned sausage, onion, carrots, and celery to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the thyme and rosemary. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Add Potatoes: Gently stir in the cubed red potatoes.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in Cream: Remove from the slow cooker and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through gently (do not boil).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Results:
- Cut potatoes evenly: Consistent potato sizes ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the crock pot: Leave some space for the ingredients to simmer properly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning can vary depending on the sausage used, so taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
- Thicken the soup (optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
- Different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, basil, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
This creamy crock pot red potato and sausage soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The ease of preparation and the comforting flavors make it a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!