Potato and Garlic Soup with Herbs

Potato and Garlic Soup with Herbs Recipe - French Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Potato and Garlic Soup with Herbs is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with the earthy flavors of potatoes and garlic, and is elevated with the addition of fresh herbs. It is a simple yet satisfying recipe that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Potato and Garlic Soup with Herbs is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Potatoes have long been a staple in many cuisines around the world, and garlic is known for its bold and aromatic flavor. When combined with fresh herbs like thyme and chives, this soup becomes a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
1 cup of chopped onions
4 cups of canned low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 lb (907 g) of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 0.5 inch pieces
6 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 bay leaf
0.25 cup of minced chives or green onions
2 tsp of minced fresh thyme or 0.75 tsp of dried thyme

How to prepare

Heat olive oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and sauté until golden, about 10 minutes.
Add broth, potatoes, garlic, and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until potatoes are very tender, about 20 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Discard the bay leaf.
Coarsely puree the soup in a blender, 1 cup at a time, for about 20 seconds per batch (do not overprocess).
Return the soup to the same saucepan.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Simmer until heated through.
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Sprinkle with chives and thyme, and serve.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Stir in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Top with a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions until they are golden to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

- When pureeing the soup, be careful not to overprocess it, as you want to maintain some texture.

- Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper, as the amount needed may vary depending on the saltiness of the broth used.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup until the potatoes are very tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Puree the soup in batches to avoid overfilling the blender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes instead of russet potatoes.

- Substitute shallots for onions for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme or chives. - Drizzle with a swirl of olive oil for a beautiful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Vitamin B6: 15% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

- Potassium: 10% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This Potato and Garlic Soup with Herbs is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a healthy and delicious soup.

Summary

Potato and Garlic Soup with Herbs is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with the flavors of potatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try for any soup lover.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Potato and Garlic Soup with Herbs. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother, a treasure trove of culinary delights from generations past.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the combination of flavors and the simplicity of the dish. It seemed like the perfect comfort food for a cold winter's night, warming both the body and the soul.

I decided to give it a try, even though I had never made a soup quite like this before. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - potatoes, garlic, herbs, and a few other pantry staples - and set to work in the kitchen.

As I peeled and diced the potatoes, the pungent aroma of garlic filled the air, bringing back memories of my own childhood spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. She was a formidable cook, with a knack for turning simple ingredients into delicious meals that nourished both body and spirit.

I remembered the way she would patiently teach me her recipes, passing down her knowledge and expertise with each stirring of the pot. I had learned so much from her over the years, and I knew that she would be proud to see me carrying on the tradition of cooking from scratch.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I added a handful of fresh herbs from my garden - parsley, thyme, and a sprig of rosemary - their fragrant aroma mingling with the earthy scent of the potatoes and garlic. I could already tell that this soup was going to be something special.

After letting it simmer for a while longer, I carefully pureed the soup until it was smooth and velvety, then seasoned it with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. I took a tentative spoonful and savored the first taste of my creation.

The flavors were incredible - the creamy texture of the potatoes, the sharpness of the garlic, and the subtle notes of the herbs all coming together in perfect harmony. It was like a symphony of flavors in a bowl, each one complementing the others in a beautiful dance of taste and texture.

I couldn't wait to share this soup with my family, knowing that they would appreciate the effort and love that went into making it. As I ladled out steaming bowls for each of them, I watched their faces light up with delight as they took their first spoonfuls.

"This is amazing, Grandma!" my granddaughter exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "How did you learn to make this?"

I smiled, thinking back to the day I found the recipe in that old cookbook and decided to give it a try. "I learned it from my own grandmother," I replied, feeling a swell of pride in my chest. "And now I'm passing it on to you."

And so, as we sat around the table, savoring each spoonful of Potato and Garlic Soup with Herbs, I knew that I had succeeded in keeping the tradition of family cooking alive. My grandmother would have been proud.