Easy Potato Soup

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

When the cold weather sets in, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm bowl of potato soup. Creamy, comforting, and filling, this Easy Potato Soup recipe is perfect for cozy nights at home or as a simple meal to feed a family. Made with wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to suit various dietary preferences, including Halal. Whether you are looking for a simple, savory dish for dinner or something hearty for a quick lunch, this potato soup checks all the boxes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through why this potato soup is a must-try, how to prepare it step-by-step, and offer tips for making it your own. Whether you’re a fan of creamy soups or a potato lover, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Easy: This potato soup requires minimal effort and can be whipped up in no time. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying without too much work.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Potatoes, cream, and savory vegetables come together to create the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for warming up on chilly days.
• Halal-Friendly: The recipe is free from pork, bacon, and wine, making it suitable for anyone following a Halal diet.
• Customizable: Whether you like your soup extra creamy or prefer a chunky texture, this recipe can be adjusted to fit your personal preference. You can also experiment with different toppings or add extra seasonings to suit your taste.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or having a hearty meal on hand for busy days.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 35 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 4 large russet potatoes: Peeled and diced. These potatoes will give the soup a nice, creamy texture once they cook down.
• 1 medium onion: Finely chopped. Onion adds depth and sweetness to the soup base.
• 3 cloves garlic: Minced. Garlic provides aromatic richness that enhances the overall flavor.
• 3 cups chicken broth: Ensure it’s Halal-certified for a compliant recipe. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the soup without making it too rich.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For a velvety, luxurious texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky finish and richness to the soup.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Adjust to taste. Salt is crucial for enhancing the flavors of the soup.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and complements the creaminess.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: For a subtle herb flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Another herb that enhances the earthy taste of the potatoes.
• 1 bay leaf: A little added depth that brings out the savory flavors of the soup.

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend adds extra creaminess and flavor.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh green onions provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
• Bacon bits: For those who eat bacon, crispy bacon bits make a great topping (ensure the bacon is Halal).
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess that balances out the richness.
• Chopped parsley: Fresh herbs for a pop of color and added flavor.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE POTATOES AND VEGETABLES

1. Peel and Dice the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and break down easily into a smooth soup. Set the potatoes aside.
2. Chop the Onion and Garlic: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. These two ingredients will form the flavor base of your soup.
3. Prepare the Broth: If you’re using store-bought chicken or vegetable broth, ensure it’s Halal-certified and ready to go. Set the broth aside.

SECOND STEP: SAUTÉ THE ONION AND GARLIC

1. Melt the Butter: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This step infuses the soup with savory aromas.

THIRD STEP: ADD THE POTATOES AND BROTH

1. Add the Potatoes: To the sautéed onions and garlic, add the diced potatoes. Stir everything together, allowing the potatoes to absorb some of the flavor from the butter, onions, and garlic.
2. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, along with the bay leaf, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine everything.
3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

FOURTH STEP: BLEND THE SOUP

1. Blend the Soup: Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some potato pieces intact. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
2. Return the Soup to the Heat: Once blended to your desired consistency, return the soup to low heat.

FIFTH STEP: ADD CREAM AND FINISH COOKING

1. Stir in the Milk and Cream: Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream to the soup, stirring gently to combine. This will make the soup incredibly creamy and smooth.
2. Simmer: Let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes luxuriously creamy.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND GARNISH

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as necessary.
2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy bacon bits.
3. Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the warmth and richness of this delicious meal.

How to Serve Easy Potato Soup

Potato soup is perfect on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and additions. Here are some great ideas for serving:

1. Serve with Crusty Bread

A hearty soup like this one pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread. Try serving it with a loaf of freshly baked sourdough or a baguette for the perfect contrast of textures.

2. Pair with a Simple Salad

To add some freshness to the meal, serve the potato soup with a simple green salad. A salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the soup.

3. Serve with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

For a truly comforting meal, serve the potato soup alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The crispy, melty cheese perfectly complements the creamy soup.

4. Add Protein

If you’d like to make the soup more filling, consider adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. These additions make the soup a more substantial meal, perfect for dinner.

Additional Tips

1. Make-Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit more milk if needed to bring back the creaminess.
2. Freezing: While the soup freezes well, it’s best to freeze it before adding the cream. Once reheated, you can stir in the cream for a fresh, creamy finish.
3. Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan, simply swap the butter for olive oil, use a plant-based cream and milk, and opt for vegetable broth.
4. Add Spices: For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little heat and depth.

Recipe Variations

While this easy potato soup is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to modify it to fit your tastes:

1. Add Vegetables

Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks for added flavor and texture. You can sauté these vegetables along with the onions at the beginning.

2. Use Sweet Potatoes

For a slightly different flavor profile, substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes. This variation will result in a sweeter, more vibrant soup.

3. Cheesy Potato Soup

For a cheesy version, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend as the soup simmers. This will make the soup even richer and more indulgent.

4. Spicy Potato Soup

Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick. This adds an exciting contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.

Freezing and Storage

This easy potato soup can be stored for later use:

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding more milk if necessary.
• In the Freezer: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Special Equipment

You don’t need a lot of special equipment to make this soup, but a few items will help streamline the process:

• Immersion Blender: This makes it easy to blend the soup directly in the pot without needing to transfer it to a blender. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works just as well.
• Large Pot: A large soup pot or Dutch oven is ideal for making this soup, giving you enough space to cook the potatoes and ingredients thoroughly.
• Soup Ladle: A ladle is helpful for serving the soup into bowls without making a mess.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes! You can use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or red potatoes for a firmer, chunkier soup.
2. Can I make this soup without dairy? Yes! Use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and a plant-based cream substitute for a dairy-free version.
3. How can I thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or use cornstarch to thicken it.
4. Can I freeze this soup? Yes! The soup freezes well before the cream is added. Simply freeze the soup base, then add the cream when reheating.

Print

Conclusion

This Easy Potato Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Simple, Halal, and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether served as a meal on its own or paired with delicious sides, this creamy soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.

Don’t forget to get creative with the toppings and flavor variations to make this recipe your own. Enjoy!