Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe

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Potato soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. While the traditional recipe calls for simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and cream, this recipe includes a few extra ingredients that add depth and flavor to the dish. With just a potato, chicken stock, bacon, heavy cream, onion, celery, butter, flour, garlic, cilantro, tarragon, salt, and pepper, you can make a delicious bowl of potato soup.

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INGREDIENTS:

When choosing the ingredients for this recipe, it's important to pick high-quality, fresh produce. The potato should be firm and free of any soft spots or green discoloration, which can indicate the presence of a toxin called solanine. The chicken stock should be low-sodium and made from high-quality chicken bones. The bacon should be thick-cut and smoked for a rich, smoky flavor. The onion and celery should be firm and fragrant, and the garlic should be plump and free of any mold or soft spots.

MAIN STEPS:

To make the soup, start by cooking the bacon until it is crispy and browned. This will add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup and also serve as a garnish. Set the bacon aside and use the bacon fat to cook the onion and celery until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add the flour and butter to create a roux, which will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.

Next, add the chicken stock, potato, garlic, and herbs to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potato is tender and the soup has thickened. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy, then stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

SERVED WITH:

Potato soup is a versatile dish that can be paired with many different sides and accompaniments from around the world. Here are 10 dishes that go well with potato soup, along with a brief description of each:

Irish Soda Bread: A traditional Irish bread made with flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt. It has a dense, hearty texture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup.

German Sausage: German sausages like bratwurst, weisswurst, and bockwurst are flavorful and hearty, and make a great addition to potato soup. They can be grilled or pan-fried and served alongside the soup.

French Baguette: A French baguette is the perfect accompaniment to any soup. Its crispy crust and soft, chewy interior are perfect for dipping in the soup.

Italian Caprese Salad: A refreshing Italian salad made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Its bright flavors and contrasting textures provide a nice contrast to the creamy soup.

Spanish Chorizo: A spicy, cured sausage from Spain that adds a smoky, meaty flavor to potato soup. It can be sliced and added to the soup or served alongside it.

Greek Salad: A fresh Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Its tangy, salty flavors provide a nice balance to the rich soup.

British Scones: A traditional British baked good that is similar to a biscuit or a crumbly bread. They are often served with jam and cream and make a nice accompaniment to the soup.

Mexican Cornbread: A spicy, savory cornbread made with jalapenos, cheese, and cornmeal. Its bold flavors and crunchy texture provide a nice contrast to the creamy soup.

Indian Samosas: A popular Indian snack made with a crispy pastry shell filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. They can be served as an appetizer or alongside the soup for a hearty meal.

American Grilled Cheese: A classic American sandwich made with buttered bread and melted cheese. Its gooey, comforting goodness makes it the perfect accompaniment to potato soup.

These dishes come from different countries around the world and showcase the diverse culinary traditions and flavors that can be paired with potato soup.

ALTERNATIVES:

If you're not in the mood for potato soup, don't worry! There are plenty of other delicious dishes out there to satisfy your cravings. From hearty stews to delicate desserts, there's something for everyone on this list of 10 alternative dishes.

Rich and Simple French Onion Soup: This classic French dish features caramelized onions simmered in beef broth and topped with a slice of crusty bread and melted Gruyere cheese.

Pad Thai: A popular Thai dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, tofu, shrimp or chicken, and a sweet and tangy sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar.

Goulash: A hearty Hungarian stew made with tender beef, paprika, and vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes.

Carrot Pepper and Cucumber Sushi: A Japanese dish made with vinegared rice, fresh fish or vegetables, and other ingredients like seaweed, avocado, or cucumber.

Chicken Tikka Masala: An Indian dish made with marinated chicken that's grilled and then simmered in a creamy tomato sauce flavored with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

Borscht: A Ukrainian soup made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes meat or sausage, flavored with dill and sour cream.

Mushroom Risotto: An Italian dish made with Arborio rice that's slowly cooked in broth and flavored with ingredients like mushrooms, peas, or Parmesan cheese.

Shakshuka: A Middle Eastern dish made with eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, often served with pita bread for dipping.

Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich made with crusty bread, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a variety of fillings like grilled pork, chicken, or tofu.

Panna Cotta: An Italian dessert made with cream, sugar, and gelatin that's chilled until set, often served with fresh fruit or a fruit sauce.

Each of these dishes has its own unique history and cultural significance, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of different regions around the world. So next time you're in the mood for something different, why not try one of these delicious alternatives to potato soup?

HISTORY:

Potato soup is a dish with a long and storied history, dating back hundreds of years to Europe. Potatoes, which are native to South America, were introduced to Europe in the 16th century and quickly became a popular crop due to their versatility and high nutritional value. It didn't take long for cooks to begin experimenting with different ways to prepare potatoes, and potato soup soon became a staple of European cuisine.

In the early days of potato soup, the dish was simple and humble, made with just a few basic ingredients like potatoes, water, and salt. It was a popular dish among the working class, who appreciated its filling and nourishing qualities. Over time, as potatoes became more widely available and affordable, potato soup evolved to include other ingredients like milk or cream, onions, and bacon.

In the United States, potato soup became particularly popular during the Great Depression, when people were looking for ways to stretch their food budgets as far as possible. Potatoes were cheap and abundant, and potato soup was an easy way to feed a family with just a few basic ingredients.

Today, potato soup remains a beloved comfort food around the world, with countless variations and adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Some versions are simple and rustic, while others are more sophisticated and gourmet. Some are thick and creamy, while others are brothy and light. But no matter how it's prepared, potato soup remains a testament to the enduring appeal of this humble and versatile root vegetable.

TIPS:

To ensure that your potato soup is a success, here are a few tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and fresh produce. This will ensure that the soup is flavorful and nutritious. Second, don't overcook the potatoes, as this can make them mushy and bland. Finally, be sure to season the soup with plenty of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

In conclusion, potato soup is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. So next time you're in the mood for something warm and comforting, try making this easy and delicious potato soup.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (1 Person) Cups (2 People) Cups (3 People) Cups (4 People) Cups (5 People) Cups (6 People) Cups (8 People) Imperial (1 Person) Imperial (2 People) Imperial (3 People) Imperial (4 People) Imperial (5 People) Imperial (6 People) Imperial (8 People) Metric (1 Person) Metric (2 People) Metric (3 People) Metric (4 People) Metric (5 People) Metric (6 People) Metric (8 People)

Directions:

01 - Begin by preparing all the ingredients: mince the Garlic, dice the Celery, chop the Onion and Bacon, and peel and cube the Potatoes.

02 - Heat a frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the Bacon until crispy, turning occasionally, this should normally take about 5-10 minutes.

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03 - Remove the Bacon from the pan and drain it on paper towels, reserving 1/4 of the Bacon Grease in the pan.

04 - In the same pan (or using another pan as far as you have saved the Bacon's Grease), sauté the Celery and Onion in the Bacon Grease left in the pan until the Onion is soft and translucent (this should take around 5 minutes).

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05 - Add the minced Garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

06 - Add the chopped Potatoes to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes until coated.

07 - Pour enough Chicken Stock into the pan to just cover the Potatoes, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the Potatoes are soft.

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08 - While you wait for the Potatoes to be ready, in a separate pan, melt the Butter over medium heat.

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09 - Whisk in the Flour until smooth and lump-free.

10 - Gradually pour in the Heavy Cream, Tarragon and Cilandro, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (this will take about 5 minutes).

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11 - Add the Creamy Mixture to the Potato Mixture prepared earlier (STEP 07) and stir to combine.

12 - Use a blender to puree half of the Soup until smooth, then pour it back into the original pan or Dutch oven.

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13 - Taste the Soup and adjust Seasonings as needed.

14 - Serve the hot Soup with some Freshly Ground Black Pepper and enjoy your meal!

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Notes:

- To make the soup vegetarian, replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock.

- If you prefer a thicker soup, use more potatoes or less chicken stock.

- For a creamier soup, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add some milk.

- If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro or substitute with parsley.

- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

- To freeze the soup, allow it to cool to room temperature and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

- If you are looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can replace bacon with smoked paprika, tempeh bacon, or coconut bacon. Smoked paprika can add a smoky flavor to the soup, while tempeh bacon and coconut bacon can add a similar texture to traditional bacon. You can also omit the bacon entirely and add some extra herbs and spices for flavor.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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