Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of delicious potato soup, but want to skip the bacon? This recipe delivers all the creamy, dreamy goodness of classic potato soup without the bacon, making it a perfect healthy meal or quick dinner idea for any night of the week. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and is packed with flavor! Get ready to enjoy this homemade cooking masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started: 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. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Add the potatoes and broth: Add the 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.
Blend for creaminess: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, work in batches and vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
Season and simmer: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the milk (or cream), thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and easy potato soup recipe.
Cooking Tips for the Best Potato Soup:
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but you can also use russet potatoes. Just be sure to peel them.
- Broth Matters: Using a good quality broth significantly impacts the flavor of your soup. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Extra flavor: For added depth of flavor, sauté some celery and carrots with the onions.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk and broth to make this recipe completely vegan.
Variations:
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese during the last few minutes of heating.
- Roasted Potato Soup: Roast the potatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Herby Potato Soup: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or chives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on milk/cream choice)
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This delicious and easy potato soup recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy!