Hearty Potato Soup 🥔🍲

This comforting and creamy potato soup is the ultimate cozy dish for chilly days. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s not only filling but also highly customizable! With a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, this soup warms you from the inside out. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal! 🍞🥗

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the add-ins

• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• Chopped green onions and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Blend or mash: Once cooked, you can blend the soup for a creamier texture using an immersion blender or regular blender. If you prefer some chunky pieces, simply mash the potatoes in the pot with a potato masher, leaving some intact.

4. Add cream and season: Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to combine all the flavors.

5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Finish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.

🌿 Feel free to adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner soup, or letting it simmer longer to thicken.

Variations

• Vegan: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use vegetable broth, and skip the bacon or substitute with vegan bacon.
• Loaded Baked Potato Style: Top the soup with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick!
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for some warmth.
• Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking the potatoes for added flavor.

Enjoy your hearty potato soup with loved ones and embrace the warmth it brings! 🥰🍽️