Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and Dice: Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into small, even-sized cubes (about 1/2 inch). This helps them cook uniformly and blend well into the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the potatoes simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Blend for Creaminess: Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids; blend in small batches and allow the blender to cool slightly between batches.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Seasoning
- Add Milk and Cream: Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Season the Soup: Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Final Touches
- Cheese (Optional): If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Texture: For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is. This gives a nice balance between creamy and chunky textures.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon to make the soup vegetarian. You can also add some extra veggies like carrots or celery for added flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy version of this comforting soup.
- Creaminess Adjustment: Adjust the amount of heavy cream and milk based on your preferred level of creaminess. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (about 1 cup) provides approximately:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This homemade potato soup is a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. With its smooth texture and rich taste, it’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or as a satisfying meal anytime. The optional garnishes add extra flavor and texture, making this soup truly versatile and delicious. Enjoy this hearty classic and savor each comforting spoonful!