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:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and dice the potatoes.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!