The Best Potato Soup Recipe

Potato soup is a comforting and hearty dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold winter day or looking for a quick, flavorful meal, this potato soup recipe is perfect for any occasion. Loaded with tender potatoes, savory bacon, and a creamy broth, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Want to learn how to make the best potato soup ever? Read on to discover everything you need to know, from the ingredients list to tips for presentation and serving!

this Recipe

What is Potato Soup?

Potato soup is a delicious, thick soup that typically includes potatoes as the star ingredient, paired with a variety of vegetables, bacon, and sometimes cream or cheese. It's a classic comfort food enjoyed around the world, offering a creamy texture and rich flavor that’s hard to resist. In this recipe, we’ll take it up a notch with bacon, garlic, kale, and a touch of tarragon, which enhances the earthy flavors of the potatoes.

Ingredients List for Potato Soup

Here is everything you'll need to make this mouthwatering potato soup:

• 1 large onion, diced
• ½ cup thinly sliced carrots
• 1 lb bacon, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover the potatoes)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• ⅓ cup kale, chopped fine (you can use frozen, thawed kale as well)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions and Variations

This potato soup recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Bacon Substitutes: For a lighter version, you can replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option. To retain a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon. You can also add some smoked tofu or tempeh to replace the texture and smokiness of bacon.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version of this soup.
• Kale Alternatives: If you don’t have kale, spinach or Swiss chard can be excellent substitutes, offering a similar texture and nutritional value.
• Extra Vegetables: Want more veggies? Add in corn, peas, or even some leeks for added flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect potato soup from scratch:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the vegetables until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth, making sure the potatoes are just covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
4. Prepare the Roux: In a separate small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup.
5. Mix in the Roux: Slowly add the roux to the soup, stirring well to avoid any lumps. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
6. Add the Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), along with the dried tarragon. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the Kale and Bacon: Finally, add the chopped kale and the crispy bacon back into the soup. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and the soup is hot.
8. Serve: Once the soup is creamy and heated through, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with extra bacon bits or fresh herbs, if desired.

How to Cook Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh potatoes and quality bacon for the best flavor. Organic vegetables will add more depth to the soup.
2. Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Ensure that your bacon is crispy before removing it from the pot. This will add texture to the final dish.
3. Layer the Flavors: Sautéing the vegetables in bacon fat adds a ton of flavor. Don’t rush this step, as caramelized onions and garlic are key to a flavorful soup.
4. Use a Roux for Thickening: A roux made with butter and flour will give your soup that perfect, creamy texture without being too heavy.
5. Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Simmer the potatoes until they’re just tender. Overcooking can cause them to disintegrate, turning your soup into mashed potatoes.
6. Balance Creaminess and Broth: Adjust the amount of cream to your taste, but don’t overdo it; too much can overpower the other flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Roux: Without a roux, your soup may not achieve the creamy texture you desire. It’s a key component for thickening the broth.
2. Overcooking the Potatoes: Be mindful of your potatoes as they simmer. If you cook them too long, they’ll lose their shape and create a mushy consistency.
3. Too Much Cream: Adding too much cream can make your soup overly rich. Stick to the recipe for a perfect balance of flavors.
4. Not Seasoning Enough: Potatoes absorb salt, so make sure to taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
5. Using Pre-Cooked Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon won’t give you the same depth of flavor or crispy texture as freshly cooked bacon.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving potato soup, presentation is key. Here are some tips to make it look just as good as it tastes:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or dill adds a pop of color and freshness to the creamy soup.
• Bacon Bits: Crumbled crispy bacon sprinkled on top provides a delicious crunch and smoky flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Add some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top for an extra creamy, cheesy twist.
• Drizzle of Cream: For a gourmet touch, drizzle a little extra cream in a spiral pattern on the surface of the soup just before serving.

How to Serve Potato Soup

Potato soup is best served hot and fresh. Pair it with:

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a roll to soak up the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A light, crisp salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: A grilled cheese sandwich on the side makes for the perfect comfort food combination.

Presentation Ideas for Potato Soup

For a polished presentation, you can:

• Serve in Bread Bowls: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and serve the soup inside the bread bowl for a rustic feel.
• Mini Bowls for Appetizers: Serve small portions of potato soup in mini bowls or cups as an appetizer for a dinner party.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Top with croutons or fried onions for a delightful crunch.

Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Freeze It: Potato soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding the cream before freezing; add it when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
• Add Cheese: For an extra creamy and cheesy soup, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux. You can also thicken the soup by blending some of the cooked potatoes instead of using flour.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Cook the bacon first, then add all the ingredients except the cream, kale, and bacon to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream, kale, and bacon during the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Russet potatoes are recommended, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture. Yukon Gold potatoes will give you a creamier consistency, while red potatoes hold their shape better.

Q: Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
A: Yes! Simply skip the bacon and sauté the vegetables in butter or olive oil instead. Add extra seasoning to make up for the smoky flavor of the bacon.

Conclusion

This potato soup recipe is a perfect blend of hearty, creamy, and flavorful ingredients. It’s easy to make and adaptable for various dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Make sure to follow our tips for the best results, and don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions and variations!

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