Why Make This Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a bowl of homemade potato soup, especially when it comes from Grandma’s recipe collection. This comforting dish is the epitome of hearty cooking, offering a creamy, savory blend of potatoes, onions, and carrots that warms you from the inside out. Perfect as a meal on a chilly day, it’s simple to prepare and uses straightforward ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup is not only a feast for the stomach but also a journey down memory lane, evoking warmth, love, and a sense of belonging.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 220
- Protein: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
How to Make Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup
Crafting this delightful potato soup is an easy and enjoyable process. You’ll find it satisfying to watch the ingredients transform into a creamy soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: green onions or bacon bits for garnish
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onions and diced carrots. Sauté until they are soft, releasing their wonderful aromas—about 5 minutes.
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Step 2: Mixing
Add the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender and easy to pierce with a fork.
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Step 3: Cooking
If you prefer a heartier texture, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes while they simmer. This creates a beautifully thick consistency that makes every spoonful deliciously comforting.
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Step 4: Finishing
Stir in the milk or cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow everything to heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of green onions or crispy bacon bits if desired for that extra crunch and flavor!
How to Serve Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup
This creamy potato soup is lovely served with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. It makes for a delightful lunch or a cozy dinner. Feel free to offer toppings like shredded cheese, crispy bacon, or chopped chives to let everyone personalize their bowl!
How to Store Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or milk during reheating to bring it back to desired consistency.
Expert Tips for Perfect Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture, while avoiding waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which won’t break down as well.
- Add Herbs: Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an additional layer of flavor.
- Creaminess Control: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of milk or cream.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before pouring it into a freezer-safe container.
- Vegetarian Option: To keep the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese during the finishing step for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Top with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, green onions, and sour cream for a loaded twist.
- Creamy Vegan Potato Soup: Replace milk with almond or soy milk and use vegan butter or olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my potato soup thicker? You can mash some of the potatoes while cooking or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the soup.
- What if I don’t have broth? You can use water in a pinch, though the soup will lack depth; enhancing it with herbs and seasonings will help.
- Can I use leftover baked potatoes? Absolutely! Just add them to the soup toward the end to warm them through.
- How do I know if my soup is spoiled? Check for off smells, mold, or any significant changes in color or texture.
- What can I serve with potato soup? It pairs beautifully with sandwiches, salads, or even as a side with roasts or grilled meats.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its creamy texture and delicious flavors, this soup not only satisfies hunger but also brings back fond memories and warms the heart. It’s easy to make, versatile, and the perfect dish for sharing with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this delightful recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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Grandma’s Homemade Potato Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A heartwarming and creamy potato soup that evokes fond memories and provides comfort on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: green onions or bacon bits for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and diced carrots; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- If desired, use a potato masher to mash some potatoes for a thicker consistency.
- Stir in milk or cream and season with salt and pepper. Heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot with garnishes if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
