Next, once the potatoes are cooked through, I grab my immersion blender and blend until it reaches my desired consistency. If you love a chunky soup, you can keep some potato pieces in there for texture. If you prefer it creamy, blend it until smooth. I then stir in the heavy cream (or milk if I’m feeling a bit lighter) and season with salt and pepper. The colors come alive as everything melds together into a luscious mix that beckons me to take a taste! At this point, I also like to adjust the seasoning—sometimes a little extra salt and pepper goes a long way.
For the final touch, I let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing all those beautiful flavors to marry. Just before serving, I chop some fresh chives (or parsley if I have that on hand) to sprinkle on top. I love how the fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and a punch of flavor that elevates this dish.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I’ve learned over the years is to choose the right potatoes. I generally opt for Russet potatoes because they have that perfect balance of creaminess and starchiness that makes for a velvety soup. I once tried red potatoes, but they didn’t give the same luxurious mouthfeel I adore in my potato soup.
Another personal tip is to take the time to truly sauté your onions and garlic until they’re golden brown. It makes such a difference in flavor! I tasted it once without this step, and while it was still good, the depth of flavor was missing. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can transform the dish if you just give them a little love.
Lastly, don’t be shy with the seasoning! I always recommend tasting the soup several times throughout the cooking process. Each pot can come out a bit different based on the broth and how much you blend, so it’s worth it to adjust to your palate for that perfect savory balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I see often is rushing the cooking process, especially when it comes to the potatoes. If you try to throw them in the pot without adequately dicing them or cooking them long enough, you’ll end up with uneven results. Trust me, the time spent waiting for them to soften is completely worth it. (See the next page below to continue…)