Smooth and Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

1. Cook the Potatoes:

• Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the vegetable (or chicken) broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

1. Blend the Soup:

• Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth, then return to the pot.

1. Add Cream and Seasonings:

• Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Cook over low heat for an additional 5 minutes to warm through. Adjust seasoning to taste.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired. Enjoy hot!

Tips:

• For added texture, reserve a handful of diced potatoes before blending and stir them back into the soup after blending.
• You can also top the soup with cooked bacon bits, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

This Smooth and Creamy Potato Soup is hearty and satisfying and is sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy!