Classic Creamy Potato Soup for Cold Winter Days 🥔❄️

This warm and comforting potato soup is the perfect dish for chilly winter days. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it warms you from the inside out and is sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad for a hearty meal!

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a vegan version)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

For the garnish

• Chopped fresh chives or green onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Crumbled bacon (optional for a non-vegetarian option)
• A dollop of sour cream (or non-dairy yogurt)

Instructions

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

🥄 Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly!

• Add the diced potatoes, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to blend the soup until it's creamy and smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave some potato pieces intact.

🔪 For an even creamier soup, you can blend half of the soup and then mix it back in!

• Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes.

Variations

• Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil right before serving for a pop of freshness.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Load it up: Toss in some cooked vegetables or add corn for additional texture and flavor.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or non-dairy milk to reduce calories while still enjoying a luscious flavor.

🍽️ Enjoy this cozy soup on its own, or pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal. You can also batch-cook it and freeze portions for those days when you need something warm and comforting in a hurry!

Stay warm and happy eating! 🌟🥣