Creamy Potato Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul
Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: sopa de papas, also known as potato soup. This dish is a classic in both American and Latin American cuisines, but today I want to introduce you to my very own recipe that combines the best of both worlds.
Now, I know what some of you may be thinking. Potato soup? Isn’t that just bland and boring? But oh, how wrong you are! With the right blend of spices and seasonings, this soup can be hearty, flavorful, and downright addictive.
And let’s not forget about the nutritional benefits. Potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy choice for any meal. Plus, this soup is vegetarian-friendly and easily customizable for those with dietary restrictions.
So trust me when I say that sopa de papas belongs in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re looking for something cozy to curl up with on a chilly evening or a simple yet satisfying meal for a busy weeknight, this recipe has got you covered. So without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey, folks! If you’re looking for a soup that’s warm, hearty and satisfying to the soul, then look no further than this sopa de papas (potato soup) recipe. Allow me to tell you why you’ll love this recipe.
Firstly, the ingredients are simple to find and readily available in grocery stores. You’ll need baking potatoes, butter, celery, green onions, chicken bouillon cubes, water, milk, salt, garlic powder and cumin. That’s it! No obscure or exotic ingredients that’ll leave a hole in your pocketbook.
Secondly, the cooking process is easy and straightforward. You start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into small cubes. Then sauté onions and celery in butter until they soften. Add garlic powder and cumin for flavour, and pour in chicken bouillon cubes to dissolve. Add the potatoes to the pot with water and bring it all to a boil until the potatoes turn soft. After that’s done, puree the potato mixture with a handheld blender or transfer it to a standing blender until it’s smooth. Finally, add some milk to give it creaminess and mildness.
Lastly, let’s talk about taste. This sopa de papas is a warm blanket on a cold winter evening or an excellent pick-me-up when you’re feeling under the weather. The velvety texture of blended potatoes is balanced by fresh hints of celery and green onions with subtle spices that awaken your taste buds without overwhelming them. You can also level up the soup with toppings such as sour cream or grated cheese.
So there you have it- three reasons why you’ll adore this recipe: accessible ingredients & easy-to-follow instructions made even more delicious with creamy but mild flavours coursing through every bowl. Perfect for any occasion – be it dinner parties or cozy nights at home – so go ahead; give this recipe a try!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Sopa De Papas:
Vegetables:
- 3 medium-sized baking potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 2 stalks of celery, roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, roughly chopped
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 leek, washed and thinly sliced (optional)
Spices and seasonings:
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
Liquids:
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup milk
Dairy and fats:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled queso fresco
- Green onion, thinly sliced
Note: Depending on your preference, you can use any type of potato you have on-hand such as Russet potatoes, white or red potatoes. However, baking potatoes are always recommended for making an exceptionally smooth soup.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious Sopa De Papas. With its luscious creamy texture and bold flavors, you’ll want to slurp up every last drop of it. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and garlic powder to taste
- 4 cups water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the celery, green onions, and garlic, and cook until soft.
- Add the cumin, salt, and garlic powder to taste.
- Add the chicken bouillon cubes and stir until they are dissolved in the water.
- Add the potatoes and cook until they are tender enough to be mashed with a fork or potato masher.
- With a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the potatoes until they form a creamy texture.
- Add milk or sour cream to thin out the soup if it is too thick.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or grated queso fresco.
Note: To make this soup even creamier, you can also add a small amount of cream cheese or heavy cream at step #6.
Yum! This Sopa De Papas recipe is sure to warm your soul on a chilly day!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, I reckon y’all might want to switch up this Sopa De Papas (Potato Soup) recipe a bit. What’s cooking if you can’t get creative, eh? So here are some substitutions and variations that y’all can try.
– Instead of the chicken bouillon cubes, use vegetable bouillon cubes or broth. This will make the soup vegetarian and even vegan if you skip the butter and use a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut instead of regular milk or cream.
– If ya want to add some heat to the soup, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the garlic powder and cumin. Or you can chop up some jalapeños and add them to the sauteed veggies.
– You can experiment with different kinds of potatoes for this soup. While I prefer using baking potatoes like Russet, you can also use white, red, or even sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture. And you don’t necessarily need to peel them either – just wash ’em real good and chop ’em up.
– You can add other veggies to the mix as well, like carrots or chopped leek for a more complex flavor. Or substitute celery with fennel for a touch of licorice-like sweetness.
– For a twist on tradition, serve the soup with shredded queso fresco instead of sour cream. Or make it a Papa Con Queso Potato Soup by adding shredded cheese to the mix before serving. Trust me folks, this’ll take your taste buds on a journey.
– And if ya wanna take things international style, try making an Ecuadorian-style Potato Soup called Locro de Papa by adding corn kernels, beans and diced avocado on top before serving. Or whip up a Cuban-style Fideo Con Papas (Soup Made with Potatoes and Angel Hair Pasta) by adding tomato sauce, angel hair pasta instead of potatoes, and ground beef instead of chicken bouillon. Add some queso con papas (cheese soup made with potatoes) and it’s game over, folks.
Serving and Pairing
Well folks, let me tell you something. This is one of the heartiest soups you’ll ever sink your spoon into, and it’s perfect for chilly nights or any time you need a little comfort food. So, once you’ve got this sopa de papas in your bowl, what should you serve it with?
If you’re feeling fancy, try topping it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for some added freshness. You can also add some shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor.
Now let me give you a twist that’ll make your taste buds holler – pair this soup with some crunchy tortilla chips or croutons to give it a little textural contrast. And if spicy food is your thing, go ahead and throw in some sliced jalapenos to up the heat factor. Trust me, it’ll make more than one person in your house exclaim “mama mia!”
As for what to drink with this soup, I recommend a nice cold glass of milk or even a light beer – anything that’ll complement those warm flavors and add a refreshing finish. Now get yourself cozy and enjoy every bite of this delicious sopa de papas!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have made your delicious sopa de papas, it is important to know how to make the most of it without losing its quality. This soup is great for making ahead and storing, so you can enjoy it whenever you want without having to go through the entire cooking process again.
To make ahead, simply prepare the soup as described in the recipe and let it cool down. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into an air-tight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to consume, reheat gently on medium-low heat on a stove or in a microwave.
When reheating, remember not to let it cook too long, as this may cause the soup to become overcooked and lose its flavor. To ensure that your soup remains warm and creamy, add a splash of milk or water before reheating.
If you find that your sopa de papas has thickened up too much in storage, there’s no need to worry. Simply add a little bit of milk or water until you reach the desired consistency. You can also adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding some more salt or garlic powder.
If you have leftovers after reheating and serving, store them in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can then reheat leftovers again using the same method mentioned above.
Sopa de papas is a versatile dish that you can enjoy any time of day. It can be paired with different side dishes such as quesadillas or bread. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this potato soup recipe!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, hold on to your seat because I’m going to give you the secrets! Here are some tips for making the perfect sopa de papas:
First of all, don’t overcook the potatoes! It’s important to have the right texture in this soup. You want the potatoes to be soft and tender, but not mushy. I recommend boiling them for around 20-25 minutes until they can be pierced with a fork.
Second, use chicken bouillon cubes instead of canned broth. The cubes add a richer flavor to the soup that you just can’t get from canned broth. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even make your own broth from scratch!
Third, don’t skimp on the butter and milk. These ingredients add creaminess and richness to the soup that really make it stand out. I like to use whole milk and unsalted butter for the best flavor.
Fourth, use a large pot! This soup recipe makes a lot of soup, so you’ll need plenty of room to stir and mix everything together. I recommend a pot with at least a 6-quart capacity.
Finally, let your soup simmer for at least 10 minutes after adding all the ingredients. This will give everything a chance to meld together and let the flavors fully develop.
So there you have it! With these tips in mind, you’ll be whipping up delicious sopa de papas like a pro!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make this delicious Sopa De Papas (Potato Soup) recipe, it’s time to address some commonly asked questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe and my answers to help you achieve perfect results every time.
How do you make potato soup not gummy?
When making soup, the presence of certain starches can make it slimy without proper preparation. So, to avoid this, it’s recommended to either use a potato masher or a large fork to mash the potatoes into the soup, or to pass the soup solids through a food mill until they’re crushed to prevent any sliminess.
What potato holds up best in soup?
Potatoes with high starch content and low moisture are the best choice for creamy or thick soups, as they absorb the liquid without losing their shape. Loaded Potato Soup can be made using such potatoes, specifically Russets or all-purpose baking potatoes.
Should you soak potatoes before soup?
Before using the potatoes, it’s crucial to soak them in water. This is an essential step that should not be skipped. Soaking the potato pieces in cold water will eliminate any excess starches from the potatoes. It’s important to remove these starches to avoid an undesirable texture in the soup that could result if they are not taken out.
Do you have to peel potatoes for potato soup?
Potato soup can be made using any type of potatoes available. If you decide to use russet potatoes, keep in mind that they must be peeled before being used. However, if you decide to use white or red potatoes, it’s not necessary to remove the skin, which will give the soup a more rustic and natural look.
Bottom Line
Now that you have read through this sopa de papas recipe, I hope you are feeling motivated to get cooking! Not only is this potato soup recipe a staple in many Latin American and Mexican households, but it’s also a classic comfort food that will warm your insides on a cold day.
With simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, and milk, combined with delicious spices like cumin and garlic powder, you can create a creamy and flavorful soup that is sure to impress your tastebuds.
And don’t forget about the toppings – a dollop of sour cream, some chopped green onions or even some grated queso fresco can take this soup to the next level. Oh my!
So what are you waiting for? Give this sopa de papas recipe a try and let it transport you to the colorful streets of Mexico or the cozy kitchens of Latin America. Add your own twist to it by trying out some variations and substitutions suggested in this article.
Trust me, once you taste this delicious soup, you won’t be able to resist adding it to your regular meal rotation. So go ahead and give it a try – let sopa de papas become your new favorite comfort food!
Sopa De Papas (Potato Soup) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped green onions
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup mild taco sauce, like Taco Bell Taco Sauce
Instructions
- In pan large enough to hold all ingredients, saute onions and celery in butter for 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes, water and bouillon. Heat to boiling.
- Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Place 1/2 potato and liquid mixture in blender, cover and process on low just until smooth.
- Pour into serving bowl and repeat with remaining potato and liquid mixture.
- Whisk in remaining ingredients, except taco sauce, until smooth. serve warm or chill 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish with taco sauce.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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.