Introduction
Are you a lover of soups? Potato soup is one of those hearty and delicious soups that are perfect for any season. It is nutritious, filling, and easy to make. If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on how to make healthy and scrumptious potato soup from scratch, then this article is for you. Here, we will give a detailed recipe for a simple potato soup, provide variations, and also talk about the health benefits associated with consuming this soup. Here’s what to expect:
- A step-by-step recipe article on how to make potato soup from scratch
- A video tutorial that provides a visual aid for the cooking process
- Additional variations of the basic recipe to spice things up
- Health benefits of consuming potato soup
- Different regional variations worth trying out
Step-by-Step Recipe Article
Before we start cooking, let’s take a look at the necessary ingredients and utensils required to make this potato soup:
- 6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium options are available)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 tbsp of cooking oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking pot
- Blender, immersion blender, or potato masher
Once you have all the necessary ingredients, follow the following steps to prepare the soup:
- Heat the cooking oil or butter in a pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Next, add the diced potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Cook for about 15 – 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and tender.
- Let the soup cool down for a bit before blending in a blender or with an immersion blender. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher to mash the potatoes directly in the pot. If you’re using a blender, blend in batches so that the soup doesn’t overflow.
- Return the soup to the pot if you used a blender or leave it in the pot if you used an immersion blender or potato masher. Add milk, salt, and pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Your potato soup is now ready to be served. We recommend serving hot with some crusty bread or croutons and some fresh herbs as garnish.
Here are some tips and tricks that will make your soup tastier and healthier:
- For a creamier soup, add some heavy cream instead of milk.
- If you like chunky soup, leave some of the potato pieces whole before blending. You can also add some broccoli or carrots for some texture.
- Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley add a lot of flavor to the soup. Add them to the soup while cooking or as a garnish.
- You can also add some crumbled bacon or sausage for some added protein.
Video Tutorial
For those who prefer visual aids when it comes to cooking, we have a video tutorial that demonstrates how to make potato soup step by step. This tutorial will guide you through the process and provide additional tips and tricks for making the perfect soup.
If you prefer a written guide, you can refer to the step-by-step recipe article as well.
Potato Soup Variations
There are endless ways to modify a simple potato soup recipe to make it your own. Here are a few variations that we recommend trying out:
Loaded Potato Soup
Add some bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream to make an indulgent and savory loaded potato soup.
- Add 6 slices of diced bacon to the soup and cook with the onions. Leave some for garnish.
- Top the soup with some grated cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon.
- Add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Spiced Potato Soup
Add some spices and herbs for a fragrant and flavorful soup.
- Add some cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the soup for a spiced aroma.
- Add some chopped fresh cilantro or mint for some fresh herbaceous notes.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for some tanginess.
Creamy Potato Soup
Add some extra creaminess to make this soup more indulgent.
- Replace the milk in the recipe with heavy cream or half and half. This will create a thicker and creamier soup.
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese for some salty notes.
- Garnish with some chopped scallions or chives.
Health Benefits of Potato Soup
Potato soup, like most soups, is a healthy, nutrient-dense meal that can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of disease, and boost your energy levels. Here are some of the health benefits of potato soup:
- Potatoes are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and support healthy muscle and nerve function.
- Potatoes are also rich in vitamin C, a micronutrient that supports the immune system and prevents cell damage caused by free radicals.
- Broth, used as the base for this recipe, is rich in protein, which is important for healthy muscle growth and maintenance.
- Adding a variety of vegetables to the soup, can increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Please consult with a nutritionist or a doctor if you have any health restrictions.
Regional Potato Soups
Different cultures prepare potato soup in their unique way, each with its own characteristics. Here are a few styles worth trying:
Polish Potato Soup (Zupa Ziemniaczana)
A hearty soup made with potatoes, smoked sausage, and carrots.
- Add some sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa to the potato soup recipe and cook with the onions and garlic.
- Add some diced carrots for additional flavor.
- Top with some sour cream or some chopped parsley.
French Potato Soup (Potage Bonne Femme)
A simple yet elegant soup made with potatoes and leeks.
- Substitute the onion in the recipe with two sliced leeks.
- Blend the cooked soup with a blender or immersion blender.
- Top with some crème fraiche, chives, or diced cooked bacon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making potato soup from scratch is easy, nutritious, and super satisfying. We’ve equipped you with a step-by-step recipe article, a video tutorial, additional variations, health benefits, and regional variations. We encourage you to try out all the recipes we’ve provided here and share feedback.