Are you craving a comforting bowl of creamy potato soup but want to avoid dairy? Look no further! This delicious recipe delivers all the richness and flavor you love, without a single drop of milk. It’s a perfect example of healthy meals made easy, ideal for a quick dinner idea or a cozy weekend lunch. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest, with this surprisingly simple and satisfying potato soup recipe. This is one of the best recipes for a comforting, dairy-free meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a different flavor profile)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
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 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the cubed potatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper 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 very tender.
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Blend the Soup: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Caution: Always vent the lid when blending hot liquids to prevent pressure buildup.
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Stir in Cashew Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the cashew cream (or coconut milk) and heat through gently. Do not boil.
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Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives.
Tips for the Best Potato Soup:
- Potato Type Matters: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture. Russet potatoes will also work, but the soup might be slightly less creamy.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Boost the Flavor: A bay leaf simmered with the potatoes and broth will add depth of flavor. Remove before blending.
- 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:
- Roasted Potato Soup: Roast the potatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Cheesy Potato Soup (Dairy-Free): Stir in a handful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Top with your favorite toppings like bacon bits (ensure they are dairy-free if needed), shredded cheese (dairy-free options available), sour cream (dairy-free alternatives exist), and green onions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
- Fiber: Approximately 4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy potato soup recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and quick to prepare. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal any time!