Looking for a comforting meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week? Our Creamy Potato Soup Recipe with Milk might just be what you need. This hearty soup combines the simple goodness of potatoes with the richness of milk to create a dish that's both satisfying and flavorsome. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you to create a delicious bowl of soup that can warm up any chilly evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1⁄2 cup of heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped for garnish
- Optional: bacon bits, shredded cheese, sour cream for topping
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and dice your potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Chop your onion finely and mince the garlic. This preparation ensures a smooth cooking process.
2. Cook the Base
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until they turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic, cooking for another minute until aromatic.
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat them with the butter and onion mixture.
3. Simmer the Potatoes
Pour in the broth until the potatoes are just covered. If the broth is insufficient, you can top it up with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, allowing the potatoes to cook until tender, around 20-25 minutes.
4. Puree or Mash
After the potatoes are cooked through, you can choose your texture:
- Puree: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer to a countertop blender for a creamier consistency.
- Mash: Use a potato masher directly in the pot for a chunkier texture.
5. Creamify the Soup
- Once your preferred texture is achieved, reduce the heat to low.
- Gently stir in the milk, followed by the cream if using, heating through without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⚠️ Note: If you're concerned about the milk curdling, you can temper it by slowly mixing some of the hot soup into the milk before adding it back to the pot.
6. Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley. For extra flavors, consider adding bacon bits, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Approx. Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-400 kcal |
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Carbohydrates | 45-50g |
| Protein | 8-10g |
In crafting this Creamy Potato Soup Recipe with Milk, you've embraced a time-honored dish that is both simple and incredibly comforting. This recipe not only provides warmth and satisfaction but also teaches you the basics of texture manipulation in soup-making. Whether you've chosen to go for a smooth, velvety soup or a chunkier, rustic version, the result is always heartwarming. Enjoy the process and the delightful outcome of this classic dish. And remember, soup making is an art where slight variations can lead to different but equally delightful outcomes.
Can I use low-fat milk?
+
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk, although the soup might be slightly less creamy. You can compensate by adding more potatoes or using a bit of cream.
How can I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
+
If your soup isn’t thick enough, you can blend more of the potatoes for a creamier consistency or add a roux made from flour and butter. Another option is to simmer it uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid.
Can this soup be made ahead of time?
+
Absolutely! Potato soup reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently to avoid boiling, which can cause the milk to curdle.
