Welcome, my dear food lovers! Today I am thrilled to share with you a recipe that has been passed down through generations in my family. It is a dish filled with warmth, comfort, and flavor – Sopa De Papa or Potato Soup.

This hearty Mexican soup recipe is the perfect comfort food for chilly winter nights when all you want is to cozy up by the fire and savor something warm and delicious. The combination of tender potatoes simmered in chicken stock infused with garlic, cumin, and white onion will fill your senses with delightful aromas that will awaken your appetite.

Whether you are feeling under the weather or just seeking a warm bowl of goodness to nourish your soul, this soup has the power to comfort and heal. As a matter of fact, in Ecuador (my home country), we use it as a remedy for colds and flu-like illnesses.

So join me on this culinary journey and let me show you how to make this rich and creamy potato soup that will transport you to the heart of Latin America with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dear fellow food lovers,

Have you ever craved a hearty and comforting bowl of soup that warms both your belly and soul? Look no further than my recipe for Sopa De Papa, or Potato Soup.

What sets this soup apart from others is its rich and creamy texture, packed full of tender potatoes and delicious toppings like bacon and cheddar cheese. The recipe calls for a perfect balance of seasonings, including black pepper, salt, and bouillon cube, all of which marry together to create a delicious savory flavor.

Not only is this soup incredibly tasty, but it’s also versatile. It can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer paired with crusty bread for dipping. The recipe can also be easily doubled or tripled if cooking for a larger crowd.

But best of all, it’s easy to make! With simple ingredients like potatoes, flour, margarine, scallions, leeks, and chicken stock, this soup can be whipped up in no time. Don’t have all the required ingredients? No problem! See section (5) for substitution and variation ideas.

So what are you waiting for? This is the perfect time to give your taste buds a treat with my Sopa De Papa recipe. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll fall in love with it too!

Ingredient List

Creamy, comforting and flavorful, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings.

Here are the key ingredients for making a delicious Sopa de Papa recipe:

Potatoes: 3 medium baking potatoes
Butter: 3 tablespoons
Onion: 1 small white onion, diced
Garlic cloves: 2 large, minced
Leek: 1 medium leek, roughly chopped
Chicken stock or broth: 4 cups
Bouillon cube (optional): 1
Milk: 1 cup nonfat milk
Margarine: 2 tablespoons
Low-fat buttermilk: 1/2 cup
Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

These are the basic ingredients that you will need to make a creamy potato soup. Don’t hesitate to make variations according to your preference and creativity.

The Recipe How-To

Warm up with a bowl of Sopa de Papa – it's pure comfort in a bowl. — Warm up with a bowl of Sopa de Papa – it’s pure comfort in a bowl.

Step 1 – Prepping the Ingredients

The first step to making Sopa De Papa is to gather all ingredients, including potatoes, scallion, leeks, and bacon. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel them using a vegetable peeler. After which, cut the potatoes into small diced pieces. Chop up the scallions and leeks, discarding the tough parts of the green leaves, and set aside in a separate bowl. Cut the bacon into small bite-sized pieces, ready to fry.

Step 2 – Fry Bacon and Vegetables

Next up, in a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add in the bacon pieces and fry until it becomes crisp. Remove bacon from the pan and keep aside for later use. Using the same pan with leftover bacon fat, add in the chopped scallions, leeks, and chopped garlic cloves. Cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables become tender but not browned.

Step 3 – Making the Soup Base

After vegetables are cooked, add flour to the pan with butter or margarine over medium heat. Stirring constantly until it forms a paste-like consistency with no lumps. Slowly add 2 cups of chicken stock while whisking with a wire whisk until everything is smoothly mixed. Next, add diced potatoes to this mixture along with other seasonings like ground black pepper and bouillon cube. Stir everything together.

Step 4 – Cooking Potatoes

Cover the pot with a lid and bring everything to boil over high heat first before reducing it to low heat allowing contents to simmer gently for 15 -20 minutes or until potatoes become tender when pierced through with a fork.

Step 5 – The Finishing Touches

Once potatoes are cooked through, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove. At this point, one could choose to leave the soup as is or blend it using an immersion blender (or in batches in a regular blender). After blending, return soup to medium heat and add low-fat buttermilk or nonfat milk. Mix everything until combined. Allow soup to simmer for 3 – 5 more minutes.

Lastly, serve the soup hot in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped bacon and cheddar cheese as toppings. Enjoy your truly delicious and hearty Sopa De Papa!

Substitutions and Variations

Made with simple ingredients but tastes like a million bucks.

As a chef, I know that sometimes you may not have all the ingredients you need for a recipe. Fear not, for there are always substitutions and variations that can turn out just as delectable as the original dish. Here are some options for sopa de papa:

– Vegetarian option: If you prefer to not use bacon, you can replace it with mushrooms for a similar umami flavor. You can also substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or water to make it fully vegetarian.

– Dairy-free option: To make this dish dairy-free, use vegetable margarine instead of butter and substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of low-fat buttermilk and nonfat milk.

– Gluten-free option: Replace flour with cornstarch or potato starch to make it gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free bouillon cubes that are available in most grocery stores.

– Spicier version: Add diced jalapenos or chipotle pepper to the soup for some extra heat. You can also season it with cayenne pepper or chili powder.

– Creamy potato soup: For a more decadent soup, use evaporated milk instead of low-fat buttermilk and nonfat milk. You can also blend the soup to make it smoother and creamer.

Remember to always taste as you go when trying substitutions and variations in a recipe. Adjust seasonings according to your taste preference and enjoy your own personalized sopa de papa.

Serving and Pairing

This soup is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something warm but don’t have a lot of time.

Once your sopa de papa is hot and ready, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy. This hearty Mexican potato soup pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides, making it a versatile option for any meal. I recommend garnishing with freshly chopped scallions, grated cheddar cheese or crumbled queso fresco. For an added crunch, bacon bits or toasted fideo noodles make for a satisfying addition to this creamy soup.

When it comes to pairing sopa de papa with other dishes, there are a few options that complement its flavors well. A simple side salad with tomatoes and avocado can add some refreshing contrast to the warm soup. Alternatively, serving with crusty bread or tortillas can help to soak up all of the delicious broth. If you’re feeling especially hungry, try pairing with some grilled chicken or steak for a more substantial meal.

For a complete meal experience, consider serving this potato soup alongside some authentic Mexican drinks such as agua fresca or horchata. The sweet flavors of these drinks can help to balance out the savory notes in the soup.

No matter what you choose to pair it with, sopa de papa is sure to impress your guests with its rich texture and comforting taste.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Easy to make, it's a perfect weeknight meal. — Easy to make, it’s a perfect weeknight meal.

Ah, my friend, there’s nothing like the convenience of being able to prepare a meal ahead of time. And lucky for you, this soup is no exception. In fact, it’s perfect for making ahead!

To make things easier for yourself, you can prepare the soup up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. Before reheating, give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

When it comes to reheating the soup, there are a couple of options. If you’re pressed for time or simply don’t want to dirty another pot, then microwave it on high for about 3-4 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking. Alternatively, if you prefer to warm it up on the stovetop, then heat it over medium-low heat until hot and bubbly.

Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (although I have a feeling that might not be the case!), then they can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember that the soup will thicken as it cools and may need some additional liquid (such as milk or stock) when reheating.

And there you have it – a creamy potato soup that can be enjoyed any day of the week without all the fuss! Whether you’re making it ahead of time or reheating leftovers, this soup will always satisfy your cravings with its comforting flavors and warm embrace.

Tips for Perfect Results

Warm your soul with this delicious sopa de papa.

As a chef, I have cooked this Sopa De Papa recipe countless times, and I want to share with you some tips to make sure you get perfect results every time.

Firstly, make sure you select baking potatoes for this recipe. Baking potatoes hold their shape well and are perfect for soup recipes like this one. They also have a lower starch content than other types of potatoes, which makes them ideal for making creamy potato soups.

Secondly, it’s essential to cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly. When the potatoes are all cut in the same size, they will finish cooking at the same time, creating a perfect and smooth consistency.

Another vital aspect of this recipe is not overcooking the ingredients. Once the ingredients have cooked through when simmering on low heat, immediately remove them from heat as additional cooking will break down the potatoes and cause them to become mushy.

For an extra bang of flavor, add some bacon or tocino into the mix. Fry some strips of your favorite bacon in over medium heat until crispy before adding it to your Sopa De Papa pot!

Finally, don’t forget about seasonings! The salt, black pepper & cumin spice blend enhances the soup’s flavors in unimaginable ways. And if you prefer a little more savory taste, consider using bouillon cubes instead of chicken stock. Add it while cooking the vegetables for added seasoning without overdoing it on salt.

Now that you know these tips for making the best Sopa De Papa possible let’s get to cooking!

FAQ

As you make this delicious Sopa de Papa, you may encounter some questions or concerns. Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Here are some frequently asked questions and answers for your convenience.

How to make my potato soup thick?

To thicken the soup, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water or use chicken stock from the soup in a separate bowl. Once the soup is simmering over medium-low heat, gradually pour in the slurry while whisking continuously. The soup’s consistency should start to thicken right away.

How do you make potato soup not gummy?

When making soup, it’s important to avoid adding starchy vegetables like potatoes directly to the broth. If they’re not properly prepared, they can make the soup slimy. To prevent this, it’s recommended to either use a potato masher or a large fork to mash the potatoes into the soup, or to use a food mill to crush the solids before adding them to the broth. This will help the potatoes blend with the soup without causing any unwelcome slime.

What potato holds up best in soup?

When it comes to soup making, certain types of potatoes are preferred over others. Russet or all-purpose potatoes have a high starch content and low moisture, making them perfect for creating thick and creamy soups, or for adding some substance to a watery soup. If you’re looking to whip up a hearty and satisfying Loaded Potato Soup, then Russet potatoes are the way to go.

Should you soak potatoes before soup?

Before beginning the recipe, it’s crucial to soak the potatoes in cold water. This step cannot be skipped as it’s essential for removing excess starches from the potatoes. Failure to do so can result in an unappetizing consistency in the end product. So make sure to give those potatoes a good soak before moving on to the next step.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, sopa de papa is a delicious and comforting soup that will warm your body and soul. With its creamy texture, hearty potatoes, and delicious additions such as bacon, cheddar cheese, and scallions, this soup is sure to become one of your favorites. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish on a cold day, this potato soup recipe is easy to make and always satisfying.

I invite you to give this sopa de papa recipe a try and experience the rich flavors and textures of Mexican cuisine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings or add-ins to make it your own. With its versatility and simple ingredients, this potato soup recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting and delicious food.

So why not start today? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps in the recipe how-to section, and enjoy a hearty bowl of sopa de papa. I guarantee you won’t regret it!

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About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

Dora

Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.

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