Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 6slices bacon
diced into 1/2-inch pieces, about 10 ounces
- 2 tbspunsalted butter
- 3celery stalks
finely chopped
- 1 largeyellow onion
finely chopped
- 1 largecarrot
peeled and finely chopped
- 2garlic cloves
finely chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
such as diamond crystal
- 3 lbyukon gold potatoes
peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes, about 6 medium
- ½ tspchopped fresh thyme
or 1/4 teaspoon dried
- ½ tspsmoked paprika
- ¼ tspancho chile powder
optional
- 4 cchicken broth
- ½ cheavy cream
- shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives
for serving
Directions
- 1
Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate with a slotted spoon; set aside to use later as a topping.
- 2
Leave 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot. Over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, stir in the celery, onion, carrot and garlic; season with a little salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the potatoes and season well with salt and pepper. Sprinkle on the thyme, smoked paprika and chile powder (if using). Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the broth, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes. As the soup simmers, taste the broth and add salt if needed. Stir in as much heavy cream as you like and remove from the heat.
- 4
Transfer half of the soup to a blender and process until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot and cook on medium-low, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly, about 15 minutes. (Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender and blend about half the soup in the pot.) Add more heavy cream, salt and pepper, if desired, and serve in bowls topped with bacon, cheese and chives.
Potato Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food experience that warms you from the inside out? This Potato Soup recipe is a luxurious, warm, and filling classic that promises to check all your comfort food boxes, perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening.
Why This Potato Soup Is a Must-Try
What truly sets this Potato Soup apart is the interplay of textures and depth of flavor. As the Yukon gold potatoes cook, their natural starches are released, working wonders to naturally thicken the broth to a velvety consistency. The innovative technique of blending half of the soup creates a delightful contrast of textures, giving you both creamy smoothness and tender potato chunks in every spoonful. The addition of smoked paprika provides a beautiful warmth, perfectly complementing the savory crunch of the bacon, making each bite a symphony of rich flavors.
What to Expect from This Velvety Dream
Prepare for a truly comforting bowl of soup that feels both substantial and light. You'll experience a silky, rich texture from the blended potatoes and the touch of heavy cream, balanced with the satisfying bite of diced potatoes and savory bacon. The aromatic blend of finely chopped celery, onion, and carrot, along with garlic and fresh thyme, builds a robust base. The warmth from the smoked paprika and optional ancho chile powder adds a subtle complexity without overwhelming the classic potato and bacon flavors. This isn't just a soup; it's a hug in a bowl, a main course that’s both satisfying and elegantly simple.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to personalize your bowl of Potato Soup to your heart's content. While heavy cream adds a beautiful lightness and richness, you can adjust the amount to your preference. For those who love extra indulgence, don't be shy! The soup is incredibly versatile with its toppings; consider it a canvas. While shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives are suggested, you could experiment with crispy fried onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for a gourmet twist.
Serving & Context
This luxurious Potato Soup is ideal as a main course for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. Serve it with a fun toppings bar, just as you would for baked potatoes, allowing everyone to customize their bowl. Its hearty nature makes it a perfect dish for cooler fall and winter months.