Are you craving a comforting, delicious soup that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This creamy potato soup recipe is a game-changer, delivering all the richness and flavor you love without relying on flour for thickening. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – healthy, satisfying, and ready in under an hour. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or a cozy weekend meal. This easy recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 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
- Optional toppings: Chives, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese
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 delicious base for your soup.
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Add potatoes and broth: Add the cubed 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.
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Blend for creaminess: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Work in batches if using a regular blender, ensuring the lid is securely fastened to prevent spills.
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Stir in milk and seasonings: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the milk (or cream), thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chives, bacon bits, or shredded cheddar cheese.
Tips for the Best Potato Soup:
- Potato choice matters: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but you can also use russet potatoes. Just be sure to peel them.
- Don't overcook the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Aim for tender but not falling-apart potatoes.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and thyme to suit your preferences. You might also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- 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:
- Bacon Potato Soup: Add 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the milk.
- Spicy Potato Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Roasted Potato Soup: Roast the potatoes with olive oil and herbs before adding them to the soup for a deeper flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This no-flour potato soup is a delicious and healthy meal option that's perfect for any time of year. Enjoy the simplicity and incredible flavor of this easy recipe! It's a testament to how delicious and satisfying truly healthy meals can be. This recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish, showcasing the best of homemade cooking with minimal effort.