Are you craving a comforting, creamy bowl of goodness on a chilly evening? Look no further! This recipe takes inspiration from the queen of Southern comfort food herself, Paula Deen, offering a delicious and easy-to-make potato soup that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly simple and delivers big on flavor, making it a staple in any home cook's repertoire. It's a healthy and delicious dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (for garnish, optional)
- Bacon bits (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavors of your soup.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. A fork should easily pierce the potatoes. This slow simmer allows the potatoes to fully cook and release their flavor into the broth.
Step 3: Blend for Creamy Texture
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, and be cautious of hot liquids.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Milk
Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Heat through gently, but do not boil. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chives and bacon bits (optional) for an extra touch of deliciousness. Serve immediately and enjoy this heartwarming and easy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Potato Soup:
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes are ideal for creamy soups because of their waxy texture. Russet potatoes will work, but the soup may be slightly less creamy.
- Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Aim for tender but not falling-apart potatoes.
- Season to taste: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. Taste the soup before serving and add more seasoning as needed.
- 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 during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Bacon Potato Soup: Cook some bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Use bacon grease instead of butter for extra flavor.
- Spicy Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Roasted Potato Soup: Roast the potatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, more intense flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This delicious and easy potato soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of a truly comforting and flavorful meal! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us in your photos! Happy cooking!