Homestyle Potato Soup

Potato soup is quite frankly in it’s own Category in the soup family. It is similar to a chowder but also similar to a soup. Which ever category you place this delicious soup in it really is a homestyle dish that warms the soul. It is so easy to make and there are so many variations out there. This is my families recipe and I am so happy with this dish. It is so simple but so delicious. It is so amazing how simple a dish can be yet pack such wonderful flavor. It is hearty and filling and just perfect for fall/winter or rainy nights. Add a few toppings and a slice of crusty bread and you have your self a wonderful and filling meal. Plus….. you can have this on your table in 30 minutes or less.

So, Let’s get right to it…

INGREDIENTS:

3 large potatoes – diced 1/2 inch pieces
2 cups reserved potato water
1 small onion – diced
3 tbsp avocado oil ( my grandmother used lard)
3 tbsp butter – room temp
3 tbsp flour
3 cloves garlic – minced
red pepper flakes – to taste – optional
salt and pepper – to taste
3 cups milk – room temp
1/2 tsp sugar
1 cup cheddar cheese – plus more for topping – room temp
1 cup cooked ham – diced – optional
bacon- diced- cooked- drained
green onions – sliced

DIRECTIONS:

1. Dice your potatoes and place in a bowl of water and let set for 20 minutes.
2. In a large pot add your potatoes and cover with water until it covers the potatoes by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are just tender.About 10 to 15 minutes. Do not over cook the potatoes. When the potatoes are just tender enough that they hold their shape yet are still tender. Reserve two cups of the potato water in a bowl and set aside. Drain the rest of the liquid from the potatoes. Set aside.
3. In the same pot add the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and pepper ( if using the red pepper flakes as well) and cook until the onion is tender. About 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the flour taste. If you are using ham you can add it at this point. Stir.
4. While stirring add in the reserved potato water and stir until smooth. About 1 to 2 minutes. Add in the milk and stir to combine, Bring the mixture to a simmer. It should take about 5 minutes or so. Add the cheddar cheese and whisk to combine and melt the cheese completely. Add the sugar and stir to combine well. Add the potatoes back in and gently stir. Check for seasoning and adjust to your taste.
5. Ladle the soup in a bowl and top with bacon and green onion…. and more cheese if you like. Eat and enjoy.