- **Vegetable Oil** (optional, for added richness)
- **Milk** (alternative to heavy cream, dairy-free option)
- **Red Pepper Flakes** (optional, for a bit of heat)
- **Potato Mashed** (preparation method)
Steps
### Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe: A Hearty Winter Warm-Up
#### Introduction to the Ultimate Potato Soup
Potato soup is a beloved comfort food that's perfect for chilly evenings. Here’s how you can make an absolutely ultimate potato soup with rich, creamy flavors and perfectly tender potatoes.
#### Ingredients (for 6 servings):
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 pounds (about 1.5 kg) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Step-by-Step Guide:
##### Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
1. **Chop the Onions**: Finely chop two large onions until you have about 2 cups.
2. **Mince Garlic**: Mince four cloves of garlic.
##### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. **Heat Oil**: In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Add Onions and Garlic**: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions become translucent and soft (about 5 minutes).
##### Step 3: Add Potatoes and Thyme
1. **Add Butter and Potatoes**: Melt two tablespoons of butter in the same pot, then add the cubed potatoes.
2. **Season with Herbs and Broth**: Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour in three cups of chicken broth.
##### Step 4: Simmer the Soup
1. **Bring to a Boil**: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2. **Reduce Heat and Simmer**: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender.
##### Step 5: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
1. **Blend (Optional)**: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer half of the soup to a regular blender and blend before returning it to the pot.
2. **Add Cream**: Stir in one cup of heavy cream or half-and-half.
##### Step 6: Final Touches
1. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning**: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if necessary.
2. **Serve Hot**: Ladle the hot potato soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley.
#### Tips for Perfect Soup:
- **Choosing Potatoes**: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their creamy texture when cooked.
- **Using Broth**: Opt for homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor, but store-bought is fine too.
- **Adding Vegetables**: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks for a heartier soup.
#### Conclusion
This ultimate potato soup recipe combines rich flavors and creamy texture to create the perfect comfort food. Perfect for any time of year, especially during colder months when you need something warm and satisfying.