Creamy Potato Soup

Creamy Potato Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that can be easily prepared at home. Here’s a simple recipe to help you make a tasty bowl of Creamy Potato Soup:

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: grated cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon, sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they becom translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

1. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher or a spoon to slightly mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This will help to thicken the soup and give it a creamier texture.
5. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper.
7. Remove the pot from the heat. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, leave it chunky if you prefer more texture.
8. Ladle the Creamy Potato Soup into bowls, and garnish with your choice of toppings such as grated cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon, or a dollop of sour cream.
9. Serve the soup hot and enjoy its comforting warmth!

Note: This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it by adding other ingredients like carrots, celery, leeks, or herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also adjust the creaminess by using more or less heavy cream, depending on your preference.