Craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness but short on time? This easy frozen potato soup recipe is your answer! Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe utilizes frozen potatoes for a quick and healthy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, surprisingly creamy, and requires minimal cleanup – a true win-win! Get ready to enjoy a homemade, delicious dish without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: chives, bacon bits, sour cream or crème fraîche
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a wonderful base of flavor for your soup.
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Add potatoes and broth: Add the frozen diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Using frozen potatoes saves you significant prep time!
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Blend the soup: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot) and blend until smooth and creamy. Work in batches if using a regular blender. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Stir in milk and seasonings: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through gently for a few minutes, but do not boil.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
Cooking Tips for the Best Potato Soup:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure there's enough space for the vegetables to cook evenly.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or thyme depending on your preference. A dash of nutmeg can also add a warm, comforting touch.
- For a thicker soup: Simmer the soup uncovered for a few minutes after blending to reduce the liquid slightly.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Cheesy potato soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese during the last few minutes of heating.
- Spicy potato soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Creamy potato and leek soup: Replace the carrots and celery with 2 leeks, thinly sliced.
- Roasted potato soup: Roast the potatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 7-8g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 4-5g
This easy frozen potato soup recipe offers a satisfying and nutritious meal without compromising on flavor or convenience. It’s a perfect example of how delicious and healthy food recipes can be achievable even on the busiest of days. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and impress your family and friends with your homemade cooking skills!