Homemade Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 2 cups milk (or cream for a richer soup)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Peel and dice the potatoes.
   • Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot.
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Make the Soup Base:
   • In a separate small saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
   • Slowly whisk in the milk or cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
   • Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine and Blend:
   • Once the potatoes are tender, add the milk mixture to the pot.
   • Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
6. Season and Finish:
   • Stir in the shredded cheese, if using, until melted.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
   • Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with crumbled bacon, green onions or chives, and additional shredded cheese if desired.

Tips:

• For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the potatoes and leave the rest in chunks.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or milk as needed.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions and garlic.

Enjoy your homemade potato soup!