Happy 2013, y’all!
As always, I am striving for balance in the new year. After weeks of hearty meals and many cookies, I’m realistic enough to know that while a few weeks of lighter meals may be on the horizon–I’ll never give up dessert.
So, in an effort to find and maintain some balance, I made you this soup. Actually, I’ve made this soup 5 times in the last 3 weeks. It’s so dang good and filling! It’s the first potato soup I have ever made, myself. A lot of recipes call for cream or half-and-half, but when it comes to dinner, I struggle with the thought of consuming cups of either as part of a balanced meal. Instead, I subbed in reduced-fat milk, making the bulk of the soup with stock. There are some vegetables in there for good measure–and I bet you could sub some of the potatoes with cauliflower with great results. Even without the heavy dairy, this soup is creamy and satisfying. Topping the soup with some choice garnishes–bacon, green onions, and greek yogurt, in this case–make this simple potato soup a totally flavorful and filling meal.
Easy Potato Soup
Serves 4-6
I use reduced-fat milk in this recipe with great results, but to keep it from separating once it boils, I mix the cold milk with cornstarch to bind it.
2-2.5 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-1/4 inch cubes
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 celery stalk, diced fine
1 carrot, diced fine
1/2 large onion or 1 small onion, diced fine
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups stock (I like to use either vegetable or chicken)
2 cups reduced-fat milk (I used 2%)
1.5 Tablespoons cornstarch
Garnishes I’m into: crisp bacon, green onions or chives, cheese, sour cream or greek yogurt, roasted tomatoes, croutons.
Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a large bowl of cool water, to prevent from oxidizing. Set aside.
Measure out the milk and whisk in the cornstarch, to combine and dissolve completely. Set aside.
In a soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the celery, carrot, and onion, sprinkle lightly with salt and sweat until translucent and tender–about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic, stir, and cook another minute. Drain and add the potatoes, followed by the stock. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer–taste for seasoning, add salt and pepper if desired–and cook for about 15 minutes–or until the potatoes are very tender. Turn off the heat and using an immersion blender (or regular blender), blend the milk/cornstarch mixture into the soup. Continue to blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. Return to the heat and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer to keep warm until ready to serve.
Garnish as desired.
I’m totally making this one. It’s soup weather to the max.
to the mega-max!
Gorgeous pictures! Where did you find those beautiful bowls?
I am in love with the idea of a light potato soup with hearty toppings. I always feel sluggish after indulging in soups that are too much on the rich side.
Thanks, Morgan!
The bowls are from Anthropologie, I’ve had them for a few years now.
This has to be the prettiest potato soup! I try to balance things out, too, but I’m sure this soup doesn’t taste like a compromise 🙂 Happy New Year!
Thanks, Nicole!
I’ve been craving hot bowls of soup for the past few weeks…it’s been chilly! Love the sound of this! Especially the garnishes 🙂
tis the season for soup!
Looks delish! I always get into soup-making mode after Christmas…usually because it’s terribly cold and snowy here for the next few months!
I have to agree with you though – dessert is always necessary! Happy New Year Cindy!
I’m glad we agree!
I must say, I’m loving that everyone has been sharing lighter recipes so far this week. I waaaay overindulged during Christmas and New Years! This soup looks delicious, and I love that you didn’t take health too far by leaving out the bacon garnish 🙂
yes! the holidays are tricky that way. thanks Maggie!
I’m such a sucker for potato soup. It’s the epitome of hearty comfort food for me. It’s the easiest and most satisfying way to get carbs to my mouth, basically.
yes! I like your style, Annie 🙂
I was just craving a baked potato, but this sounds MUCH better!
Hellooo dinner! 🙂
now I want a baked potato, ha!
I so totally want a giant bowl of this right now with an equal amount of bacon and garlic bread.
lighter means there’s room for more bacon!
Yum! This looks heavenly. When I make potato soups I always use more stock than cream or butter too b/c I think it has way more flavor that way…plus it’s much healthier. This is definitely a recipe I’ll be trying!
Thanks, Amber!
I’m good about eating healthier, lighter soups, but it’s the garnishes that kill me.
LOL
those dang garnishes!!
Amazing recipe and wonderful pictures! Stay awesome!