Creamy potato soup is packed with potatoes and full of flavor, but is lightened up by using chicken broth. Take it up a notch and top your bowl off with grated cheese, homemade croutons, real bacon, and fresh chives.
Welcome to “Make-Ahead Monday” – this will be the first of many! I’m sure we all have a day of the week that we just want to come home and relax and not have to stress about dinner. As you can tell by the title, that day for me is Monday. Monday’s are slow moving and tiring for me, and the last thing I want to do when I come home after a long day is cook. Yes, even people that love to cook need a day off every now and then! Every Sunday I make a dish that is easily made ahead and can be reheated on the stovetop or baked in the oven the next day.
Now, let’s get into this weeks “Make-Ahead Monday” – potato soup. Usually when we think of potato soup we think rich, creamy, and fattening. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that from time to time, but for a weeknight meal I like to keep things a little lighter. I wanted the soup to have the same richness but without all the fat and calories of a cream-based potato soup, so I made a few small changes and I’m really happy with the results.
The three main changes from a traditional potato soup are: olive oil instead of butter, chicken stock in place of cream, and boosting the veggie content by adding celery and carrots. I added a small amount of cream at the end, which brought everything together beautifully. I also used my immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup right in the pot; this adds more body while still keeping some texture. You can puree the soup as little or as much as you like, but I prefer to do about half so that I still get potatoes in every bite.
Since I made a somewhat lighter version of potato soup, I went all out on the toppings! Crisp bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, and homemade croutons. Croutons are incredibly easy to make – just grab some leftover bread (it can even be stale!), toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorite dried herbs (I like herbs de Provence), and bake at 400º for 15 minutes. Perfectly crisp croutons ready to throw on soups, salads, and for snacking!
I like to make most of my soups the day before I plan on serving because the flavors really have a chance to meld together. The next day all you have to do is reheat the pot on the stove, dish it up, add some toppings, and enjoy. I really love this soup for a chilly fall evening; it’s very comforting, but still healthy as long as you don’t go over board with the toppings!
What day of the week do you want a break from cooking? Do you like the idea of a make-ahead meal?
- 6 Slices Thick Bacon
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Leeks, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 2 Stalks Celery, finely diced
- 2 Carrots, peeled and finely diced
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 3 large Russet Potatoes, diced
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 1 Small Sprig Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour, or regular if not gluten-free
- 7 Cups Chicken Stock, unsalted or low-sodium
- 1 Cup Milk
- ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/8 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, optional
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Crumbled Bacon, Chives, and Croutons, for serving
- Heat a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crisp, drain on paper towels and set aside for topping. Pour out all of the bacon grease (the little bits on the bottom of the pan are ok though!).
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil in the pan and add the leeks, celery, and carrots; season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add potatoes, garlic, and rosemary; cook for 2 more minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook 2 more minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the chicken stock, milk, and season with more salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes over medium-low heat; don’t allow the soup to boil.
- After 20 minutes, use a hand blender to blend the soup to desired consistency. Slowly add in the cream and stir in the cayenne pepper.
- Serve the soup with the toppings.
I have recently discovered the Restack pallets service and my impressions are only positive. A variety of transportation options and quality packaging are their trump cards. Customer service is also on the level, always ready to help. I think this is the best choice for those who value reliability and quality!
Hey. The assignment has been my go-to for precise and reliable economics assignment help. The experts here have a deep understanding of economic concepts, delivering top-tier assignments https://assignmentmaster.com/economics-assignment-help on time. Their service is a beacon for students navigating the complexities of economic theories and analyses. The quality of work and their commitment to meeting deadlines have consistently exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for a trustworthy platform to elevate your understanding of economics and secure excellent grades is the solution. Highly recommended for their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to academic success!
I love this creamy potato soup. I use this when I am helping those students who come to me by searching can someone do my exam. Because doing an exam is a lengthy process I always need some refreshment to do this.
As a student navigating the complexities of graduate school, finding a reliable essay writing service has been a game-changer for me. The Graduate School Essay Writing Service not only provides top-notch assistance with my academic papers but also offers invaluable guidance and support throughout the process. With their expertise, I’ve been able to tackle challenging assignments with confidence, knowing that my work is in capable hands. Thanks to this service, I can focus on mastering my field of study while still meeting deadlines and exceeding academic expectations.
Hey, buddy. The experience of reading the article on https://valhallavitality.com/blog/exploring-retartrutide-oral-a-look-at-therapy was a real eye-opener for me. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of analysis and accuracy of the information presented. The Exploring Retartrutide: Oral Therapy blog not only reviews the basic aspects of the therapy, but also provides the reader with important practical tips and advice. It helped me to better understand not only the drug but also its practical application.
This potato soup recipe sounds perfect for chilly evenings or lazy Mondays when I want something comforting yet easy to prepare. I appreciate the practicality of making it ahead, allowing me to enjoy a hearty meal without the rush. The ingredients are simple yet wholesome, and I can already imagine the rich, creamy texture blending perfectly with crusty bread on the side. Definitely adding this to my meal prep rotation for those busy days when I need a warm bowl of goodness waiting for me at home!”
As a student preparing for my first trip to France, americans in france has been an incredibly helpful resource. The website provides detailed and practical information on everything from French customs and etiquette to tips on transportation and finding affordable accommodation. I especially appreciated the sections on adjusting to cultural differences, which made me feel more confident about navigating daily life abroad. The personal stories from expats gave me a real sense of what to expect and how to blend in as an American student. For anyone planning to live or study in France, is an essential guide for making the transition smoother.
This was an excellent post—thank you for sharing! Coquitlam’s Finishing Services