Hearty Potato Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Creamy Goodness

Hearty Potato Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Creamy Goodness

This Hearty Potato Soup is a perfect blend of creamy potatoes, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs that creates a comforting and satisfying meal suitable for any season. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a great family dinner or a cozy solo meal. The richness of the potatoes and the depth of flavors from the herbs make this dish an absolute delight.

Ingredients:

– 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Chopped green onions or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

– Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces and set them aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.
– Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
– Chop the celery and slice the carrots.

2. Start the Soup Base:

– In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

– Add the celery and carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
– Drain the diced potatoes and add them to the pot.

4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:

– Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring that the vegetables are fully covered. If not, add a bit more broth or water as needed.
– Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer the Soup:

– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

6. Thicken the Soup:

– In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy cream until smooth.
– Stir this mixture into the soup to help thicken it. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

7. Optional: Add Cheese:

– If you want a cheesy twist, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the soup.

8. Serve:

– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives.
– Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Enjoy your Hearty Potato Soup, a perfect dish for warming up on chilly days or just indulging in some creamy comfort food goodness!