I’m fairly sure all of you reading this have likely searched for a solid potato soup recipe at least a couple times in your lives. Most of you have also made a delicious version of this successfully. But, if you’re anything like me, you didn’t write down how you made it. Have no fear, my friends, I’m here to save the day with having a fried and true recipe in writing for all of us!
What is it about a hearty potato soup that is instantly comforting? Even the thought of making it gets me excited for a cozy evening at home in our nice warm house while it’s chilly outside. This recipe has been a staple in our family for as long as I can remember. In fact, back in my childhood days of growing up in our small town and close-knit community, this recipe was submitted under my name to our church’s cookbook. Who could’ve guessed that I would end up sharing this recipe outside our church and with anyone in the whole World Wide Web willing to read this post? All I knew at that time was that I was proud to see my name in the cookbook and eternally thankful it was connected to such a favorite recipe.
This recipe is based on a basic roux. I honestly didn’t know that many, many people have no clue what that is until I moved away from home to college. The concept of cooking for yourself in college generally equates to microwaving ramen noodles or turning on the oven to bake a frozen pizza. I had no idea how uncommon it was to whip up a quick roux for a cheese sauce or cream based soup until I interacted with college friends. Even now as an adult with equally adult friends, it’s honestly shocking to me how rarely people make home cooked meals let alone know the basics of cooking (like making a roux). For that reason, I intend to do an entire post soon devoted to concocting and perfecting roux based sauces and dishes. For the purpose of this recipe, suffice it to say that a roux is butter and flour and milk combined in strategic proportions and cooking method to make a deliciously simple thickener. In the case of this soup, it is used to give it a creamy and slightly thicker consistency. Hence the name….hearty potato soup (aka creamy and comforting and filling).
Please feel free to take this basic recipe and design it more to your tastes by cutting out and adding in different vegetables or a protein or some cheese. If you use the basis of this, you are sure to end up with a simply satisfying soup meal that will be a hit with even your pickiest eaters! Personally, I add a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning for an added oomph of flavor. I’ve also added broccoli and cauliflower for added health benefits. When I have some great cheese on hand I’ve also been known to toss some in at the end of the roux step and melt it in. No matter how you slice and dice it, this recipe is a simple and satisfying soup sure to warm and comfort you. Enjoy 🙂
Hearty Potato Soup
This extremely simple soup recipe is a blank slate to customize to your soup-loving-soul's desire!
Ingredients
-6 medium sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
-2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
-2 celery stalks, peeled and thinly sliced
-2 quarts water
-2 teaspoons chicken soup base
-1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
-3 tablespoons butter
-6 tablespoons flour
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon pepper
-1 1/2 cups milk
-1 cup cubed ham
Directions
1) In a large pot, bring water, chicken soup base, carrots, and celery to a boil then add potatoes and cook until vegetables are softened (approx 20 minutes).
2) Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add in onion sautéing until softened.
3) Add salt and pepper and flour to the saucepan and stir in until combined well.
4) Next, add milk (1/2 cup at a time) to the saucepan being sure to whisk in well until milk is combined and flour mixture is free of lumps. It should be thick and smooth when finished.
5) Use a strainer to remove approximately half the liquid from the large pot into a bowl on the side.
6) Next, add in the contents of the saucepan (roux sauce) into the large pot and carefully stir in.
7) Finally, add the cubed ham into the pot and add some reserved cooking liquid from the bowl until the soup is your desired consistency.
7) Stir well and allow a couple minutes for the ham to warm and final flavors to combine then serve!
Simplified By Stacie 