How To Make A Cream of Potato Soup is one of the most popular recipes in the American folk tradition. It first became famous in western Pennsylvania around 1800. The dish is best known as cream of the potato soup and is made by boiling potatoes and rubbing them together with a mixture of cream and milk. The cream gives the soup its consistency. This dish is very much associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
How To Make A Cream of Potato Soup is often asked by those unfamiliar with this type of soup. The soup is typically made with potatoes, onions, a few spices, chicken, and cheese. There are several ways to make this dish. The way you make your own may be different than how others make theirs, but it is certainly worth a shot!
The original way to prepare this soup is to boil the potatoes and add them to the pot. Then cover the lid and let them steam. Chicken is next added, along with any seasonings that you wish to use. Cover the lid again, letting it steam until the potatoes are soft. When this is done, remove the lid and fluff up the cream.
Many people prefer to use cream of mushroom soup. Using this method, simply strain out all the solids and mix the soup into the flour. You can then use the entire can of cream of mushroom soup and then fold in the remaining ingredients. In this way, you create the classic cream of tomato soup. Another variation that some use is to add cream of chicken or cream of onion soup into the mix.
This way of making a cream of potato soup involves using all or most of the liquid from the potatoes before they are cleaned. If you use russet potatoes, this will yield you a lighter and less rich product. However, for yellow potatoes, use everything from the skin up. When you add these liquids to the mix, be sure to stir them very thoroughly. This will ensure that you have the best possible results when learning how to make a cream of potato soup.
If you are looking for the healthiest way to enjoy your soup, simply substitute low-fat milk for the cream of chicken. If you can’t stomach the thought of adding milk to your soup, consider using yogurt instead. Both contain live cultures that are healthy for you and will help to thicken your soup. This also means that you can avoid adding additional cream of salt to the mix.
Learning how to make a cream of potato soup does not mean that you ignore the taste of traditional seasonings. If you love pepper, you can add some chipotle pepper to the mix and any other spicy ingredients that you think will enhance the dish. For maximum flavor, you should also consider making a poached root beer float with the mixture. You can do this by simply taking a container and filling it with ice, and then placing a lid on it. Then, place the float in a pot of very hot water and bring it to a boil. Once the cream reaches its boiling point, simply allow it to cool and then squeeze out a bit of the cream into a glass of water and add it to the rest of your soup.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can enjoy this comforting dish. While it is true that potatoes are often a staple of people’s diets, there are many ways that you can modify your meal to make it more interesting and appealing. A delicious cream of potato soup is one of those ways. There is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy this hearty soup regularly, especially if you like it hot.
Why make cream of potato soup?
The most popular way to eat this traditional comfort food is with a bowl of creamy, thickened potato soup. While some people love the addition of a dollop of cheese, potato soup is already packed with flavor. The white sauce is just the right balance of flavor and texture. The addition of bacon is a tasty touch, but it doesn’t have to be the centerpiece of the dish. It may even be better without it.
Traditionally, potatoes have been used as the base for potato soup, but they can be substituted for corn flour, as long as they are cooked well before thawing. Potato juice is another way to thicken the soup, as it can be used instead of corn flour. The key to making a good cream of potato soup is to serve it as soon as possible, since the potato will continue to absorb moisture and become grainy as it thaws.
The ingredients of potato soup are relatively simple. The main ingredients are potatoes, chicken broth, celery, and butter. You can also add cheese, onions, or cheese to add to the flavor. In general, the flavor of this classic soup is subtly sweetened with the addition of cheese and onion. It can be made as a one-pot meal or served cold. For the best version, use a pot over medium heat. Heat up the bacon and onion on a plate lined with paper towel. Leave the bacon grease in the pot. Next, dice the onion and celery until they are translucent. Now, add the potatoes, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes.
What to add to cream of potato soup?
If you’re looking for a new twist on the classic recipe, you can add cream to the recipe. It will make the soup richer, but you can opt for lower fat alternatives. Another way to improve the flavor of potato soup is to add your favorite toppings. For example, if you’re fond of bacon bits, add some bacon pieces before serving. Other tasty options include diced ham or sour cream.
Adding a roux is easy to do: you simply whisk butter and flour together until the mixture is smooth and golden. Pour the roux into the potato soup and stir well to combine. After about 10 minutes, you can add the shredded cheese and parsley. You can also sprinkle some Swiss cheese on top if you wish. However, be sure not to overdo it!
If you’d like a thicker soup, you can add a few more boiled potatoes or instant potato flakes. Just remember to heat the soup properly and season accordingly. Adding bacon can enhance the flavor of the soup, but be careful, though, because it can steal the show. A good way to make your soup thicker is to blend the potatoes with milk. But remember to keep in mind that this will change the texture and may not freeze well.
How do you thicken up potato soup?
There are many ways to thicken potato soup, including adding cheese. Adding one cup of shredded cheese will thicken two quarts of soup. Monterey jack or cheddar cheese works best. If you are looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk will work as a substitute. Both will add richness and creaminess to the soup without changing its flavor. Potatoes and cheese blend well together, so if you want to add more flavor to your potato soup, you can also add additional cheese.
One of the oldest methods of thickening soup is with nuts. Ground nuts can be whisked into the soup or added to thicken it. Butter and flour can also be used to thicken soup. But, they are not the only options. Potatoes can also be used as thickeners for almost any type of soup. And don’t forget about sour cream! Just make sure to add it at the end of the cooking process.
Another way to thicken soup is by adding a few tablespoons of butter or flour to the soup before simmering. To avoid lumps, stir the flour or butter into the soup and heat until it reaches a simmer. When the soup is finished cooking, return it to the pot and whisk until thick. If the soup has gotten too thick, you can add more water. If you don’t want to add extra water, you can try adding mashed potatoes or grated yams.
Can I make soup ahead of time?
If you’re wondering, “Can I make cream of potato soup ahead of time?” Then you’ve come to the right place. This recipe freezes very well. Simply place it in a container and freeze it. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it in the microwave or on low. Add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture to make it thicker, or use more broth to achieve the desired consistency.
You can also thicken the soup ahead of time. To do so, combine equal parts of flour and butter. The mixture should become a thick paste. Once the potato mixture is ready, stir it gently to combine the ingredients. If you have leftover mashed potatoes, simply keep refrigerated for up to four days. Then, simply reheat it on low, until desired consistency is achieved. Then, you’ll have an easy and convenient meal on hand.
If you’re wondering, “Can I make cream of potato soup ahead of time?” The answer is yes! But the trick to making it is to prepare the ingredients. First, you need the potatoes, the milk and the flour. Combine these ingredients well. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, covered. Once the ingredients are ready, season to taste and add more milk, if needed. Then, you’re ready to serve this delicious soup anytime.
Can you reheat cream of potato soup?
The answer to the question, “Can you reheat creamy potato soup?” is a resounding yes. If you plan to serve it more than once, freezing it is the way to go. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 6 months. Thawing it in the refrigerator will ensure that it does not go bad, but be sure to add a bit of cream for extra flavor and richness.
If freezing is not an option, you can reheat creamy potato soup by using a microwave or stovetop. Make sure to make the soup smooth before freezing. If you find lumps, these would cause a gritty texture when defrosted. When reheating, use low heat and stir the soup until it is smooth. This way, you can enjoy piping hot potato soup anytime you want! But do note that potato soup does not freeze well, so you should make sure that the stock you use is low in sodium.
Before heating up the soup, you should first drain and reserve the remaining ingredients. You can also add corn or bacon if you have any leftovers. You can also add more boiled potatoes, or thaw frozen corn in the microwave. You can also add bacon and chives if you want to make it extra tasty. A bowl of this delicious soup is the perfect meal! This recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can reheat it using a microwave or stovetop.
Will cream of potato soup last refrigerator?
When properly stored, cream of potato soup can last up to six months. If it is kept at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the soup can remain fresh for up to six months. You can also freeze it if you’re looking to extend its shelf life, but you must keep it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Generally, potato soup doesn’t spoil quickly, but it will keep longer when stored in the refrigerator.
If you plan to store your soup in the freezer, make sure to store it at the appropriate temperature for at least three months. It can last up to three months if properly stored. Be sure to check the soup regularly and discard any that don’t meet these criteria. Also, keep in mind that soups with milk or cream should be refrigerated. Once you’ve frozen it, transfer it to a sealed container or bag. When transferring it to a storage bag, always place it in a deep bowl. The deeper you fill the bag, the easier it is to pour the soup. Then, label the bag with the soup’s name and the date it was made.
Keep in mind that the shelf life of potato soup depends on several factors. Depending on the temperature and the storage conditions, the soup can remain frozen for up to six months. However, experts don’t recommend eating frozen foods if they haven’t been thawed. Frozen potato soup is likely to develop a flavor that’s bitter or sour after just two hours. Non-dairy versions are easier to defrost and won’t disband like their creamier counterparts.
can you freeze cream of potato soup?
To make it more convenient, you can even freeze a whole tub of it. First, cool the soup to room temperature. Next, place it in resealable freezer bags. Be sure to leave a few inches of headspace as liquids expand when frozen. Seal the bags about ninety percent of the way up and then completely. After freezing, place the containers on a baking sheet. Put them in the freezer until completely frozen.
If you make too much potato soup, you may want to freeze it for later use. To make it easier, you can prepare the soup a few days ahead and freeze it. To freeze it, transfer it to the fridge at least 24 hours before serving. Thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave if you plan to reheat it immediately. Just make sure you stir it constantly and add enough water to avoid scorching the bottom of the container.
You can freeze potato soup in both containers and freezer bags. The former will take up less space in the freezer and have the disadvantage of leaking. However, you can also store the soup in containers because they don’t have the same airtight seal as a freezer bag. Once frozen, simply remove the bag from the container and keep the soup in the freezer. It’s safe to use the frozen potatoes, but you should avoid refreezing the leftovers. They may not be safe to eat.
Homemade Cream Of Potato Soup Recipe
Creating a homemade Cream of Potato Soup is a comforting and satisfying process. Here’s a simple recipe that you can make with ingredients commonly found in your kitchen. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups of peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1 cup of diced onion
- 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground thyme
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Shredded cheese for garnish (optional)
- Crispy bacon bits for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, celery, and onion. Add the chicken broth and water. The liquid should cover the vegetables. If not, adjust the amount of water accordingly.
- Cook the Soup Base: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup: In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour without letting it brown. This mixture is called a roux and will help thicken the soup.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Slowly add the roux to the pot of vegetables and broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Increase the heat to medium and continue to cook until the soup starts to thicken, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, and crispy bacon bits if desired.
Tips:
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also blend half of the soup for a chunky yet creamy texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or leeks for more flavor and nutrition.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
This Cream of Potato Soup is perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re in need of some comfort food. Enjoy your homemade soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
