Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This creamy potato soup recipe packs a flavorful punch with a hint of chili, making it the perfect healthy meal for a chilly evening or a quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a new family favorite, blending the best of comfort food with a touch of zest. Get ready to experience the ultimate in easy recipes!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or russet work best)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil 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.
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Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Blend the Soup: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Caution: Always vent the lid of a blender when processing hot liquids to avoid burns.
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Season and Simmer: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the milk, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat through gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or green onions. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Tips for the Best Potato Soup:
- Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes will become mushy and affect the soup's texture. Aim for tender but not falling-apart potatoes.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Use an immersion blender for convenience: If you don't have a regular blender, an immersion blender works perfectly for blending the soup directly in the pot, saving you a step.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Roasted Potato Soup: Roast the potatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Bacon Potato Soup: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the soup for a savory boost.
- Creamy Potato and Leek Soup: Substitute 1 cup of chopped leeks for half of the onion for a more refined flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 7-10g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This delicious and easy potato soup recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this truly satisfying dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your perfect bowl of creamy potato soup with a spicy kick!