Best Homemade Potato Soup

Introduction:

Few dishes offer the warmth and comfort of a steaming bowl of homemade potato soup. With its creamy texture, hearty potatoes, and flavorful seasonings, this beloved comfort food has a special place in kitchens around the world. Join us as we dive into the art of creating the best homemade potato soup, perfect for cozy nights in and soul-soothing meals.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium Russet potatoes, cut into bite size pieces
• 1 onion diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp minced parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp flour (corn starch can be substituted)
• 1 cup finely grated cheese of your choice

Instructions:

1. Add the bacon to a soup pot and cook until the fat is crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside. Pour off most of the bacon fat, but do not clean the pan. Return the pan to medium heat and add in the onion, celery and carrot
2. Stir and cook for two minutes, then add in the diced potatoes, salt and pepper and any other seasonings you like
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a low boil
4. Cook for 10 minutes or until the potatoes start to soften
5. Whisk the flour and the milk, add to the pot and stir continuously
6. Cook for another 5 minutes
7. Carefully scoop out ¼ to ½ of the soup and process it in a blender or food processor until it is smooth
8. Add this back into the pot slowly and carefully so it does not splash back on you and burn
9. Stir in the crumbled bacon, leaving some for a garnish
10. Serve in bowls with parsley, bacon and a little cheese for a garnish

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Garnish with Style: Before serving, consider adding a touch of flair to your homemade potato soup by garnishing it with complementary toppings. Crumbled bacon, grated cheese, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream can enhance both the flavor and presentation of the soup.
2. Pair with Bread or Salad: Homemade potato soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad. The bread provides a satisfying contrast in texture, while the salad adds freshness and balance to the meal. Consider serving a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a delightful accompaniment.
3. Store Properly: To preserve the freshness of leftover potato soup, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
4. Reheat Gently: When reheating homemade potato soup, it’s essential to do so gently to avoid overheating and curdling the cream. Transfer the desired amount of soup to a saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the ingredients to separate.
5. Freezing Tips: While potato soup can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen potato soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the soup to the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
6. Revive with Stock: If the soup thickens upon reheating or loses some of its creaminess, you can revive it by adding a splash of broth or milk to adjust the consistency. Stir gently until the desired texture is achieved, and adjust seasoning as needed.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of potatoes in homemade potato soup? Yes, you can use various types of potatoes in homemade potato soup. Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are commonly used for their creamy texture when cooked. However, waxy potatoes like red potatoes can also be used if you prefer a chunkier soup texture.
2. Is homemade potato soup suitable for vegetarians or vegans? Yes, homemade potato soup can be adapted to suit vegetarian or vegan diets. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute dairy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also omit any meat-based toppings or garnishes.
3. Can I make homemade potato soup ahead of time? Yes, homemade potato soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. How do I thicken homemade potato soup if it’s too thin? If homemade potato soup is too thin, you can thicken it by using various methods. One option is to blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or countertop blender to create a thicker consistency. Alternatively, you can make a roux by melting butter in a saucepan, adding flour, and cooking until golden brown before whisking in the soup to thicken.
5. Can I freeze homemade potato soup? Yes, homemade potato soup can be frozen for longer-term storage. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen potato soup can be stored for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.