In the world of culinary delights, few things are as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of soup. And when it comes to quick and easy recipes, this cream of potato soup stands out as a true gem. With just 25 minutes of your time, you can have a delicious homemade soup ready to be savored.
Let's start by gathering the necessary ingredients. You'll need potatoes, of course. Choose a variety that is suitable for mashing, such as Russet potatoes. They will give the soup a rich and creamy texture. You'll also need onions, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients come together to create a flavor that is both comforting and delicious.
First, peel and dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and quickly. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium - low and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork - tender. This usually takes about 15 - 20 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, you can prepare the other ingredients.
Next, in a separate saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook them until they are translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3 - 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or so, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can quickly turn bitter.
Once the potatoes are fork - tender, drain the water from the pot. You can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the potatoes. If you prefer a smoother soup, use the immersion blender. If you like a bit of texture, use the potato masher to leave some chunks of potato in the soup.
Now, add the onion and garlic mixture to the mashed potatoes. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. The broth will add flavor and help to thin out the soup to the right consistency. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. You can adjust the amount of broth depending on how thick or thin you like your soup.
After that, add a generous amount of heavy cream to the soup. The heavy cream gives the soup its rich and creamy flavor. Stir the soup again to incorporate the cream. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as paprika or thyme, to enhance the flavor.
Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. As it simmers, you'll notice the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. This easy cream of potato soup is not only quick to make but also very versatile. You can serve it as a starter for a fancy dinner or as a main course on a cold day.
You can also customize the soup by adding toppings. Some popular toppings for cream of potato soup include shredded cheese, bacon bits, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the soup.
In conclusion, this easy cream of potato soup is a must - have recipe in your collection. It's quick, easy, and delicious. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this soup is sure to be a hit. So, keep this recipe handy and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade soup whenever you want.
