Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup Recipe
This Absolutely Ultimate Potato Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food classic made with crispy bacon, aromatic vegetables, tender potatoes, and a flavorful blend of herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a luscious cream base, it is perfect for cozy dinners or hearty lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken stock, or enough to cover potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 3 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot for cooking the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Potatoes and Stock: Stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes, then pour in enough chicken stock to just cover the potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer gently until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 20-25 minutes.
- Make the Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: Gradually whisk the roux into the simmering soup. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, dried tarragon, and freshly chopped cilantro. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to warm through but do not boil.
- Finish and Serve: Return the crispy bacon to the soup or reserve for garnish. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more stock or cream according to preference.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or combined with dried herbs for more flavor.
- This soup freezes well; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch or rice flour.
Keywords: potato soup, creamy potato soup, bacon soup, comfort food, homemade soup, creamy soup recipe
Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/absolutely-ultimate-potato-soup-recipe/