Potato Soup II

Potato Soup II Recipe from Liberia: Hearty Country-Style Soup

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

Introduction

Potato Soup II is a comforting and hearty soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Potato soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. This particular recipe is a modern take on the classic potato soup, with the addition of smoked haddock or lox for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Some onions
A few potatoes
3-4 cups of chicken stock
3 cups of milk
Some cooked peas
herbs (dill would be nice)
Fresh pepper
8 oz (227 g) of chopped lox or smoked haddock
salt to taste

How to prepare

Start by sautéing some onions in a little butter or oil.
You will need about one large onion, finely chopped.
Peel a few potatoes and chop them into small pieces.
Once the onions are cooked, add the potatoes and season with salt to taste.
Pour in 3-4 cups of chicken stock.
Cook on low heat until the potatoes become soft.
Next, add 3 cups of milk, cooked peas, herbs (dill would be a nice choice), and fresh pepper.
Heat the mixture thoroughly and serve.
For an extra touch, consider adding about 8 oz (227 g) of chopped lox, which can be obtained inexpensively as trimmings at many delis.
This basic recipe can also be used to make other types of soups. Smoked haddock works well as an alternative ingredient.

Variations

Add bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Use different herbs such as thyme or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent before adding the potatoes.

- Cooking the potatoes in chicken stock adds flavor to the soup.

- Adding milk at the end of the cooking process helps to create a creamy texture.

- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Potato Soup II with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent.

- Cook the potatoes in chicken stock until they are tender.

- Add the milk and other ingredients at the end of the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use leeks instead of onions for a milder flavor.

- Substitute the lox or smoked haddock with cooked chicken or tofu for a different protein source.

Make Ahead Tips

Potato Soup II can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Potato Soup II with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Potato Soup II with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Potato Soup II in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Potato Soup II contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Potato Soup II contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Potato Soup II contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Potato Soup II contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Potato Soup II is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and fish.

Summary

Potato Soup II is a nutritious and filling dish that is perfect for a cold winter day.

Summary

Potato Soup II is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Potato Soup II. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, a warm and inviting aroma filled the air.

Margaret greeted me with a big smile and a hug, welcoming me into her culinary haven. She was busy chopping vegetables and stirring a pot on the stove, and I couldn't help but ask what she was making. "Oh, just a simple potato soup," she said modestly. But I could tell by the mouth-watering scent that it was anything but simple.

As Margaret continued to cook, I couldn't help but watch in awe as she effortlessly created a masterpiece in her kitchen. I asked her if she would share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me with a smile.

The ingredients were simple and straightforward: potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, chicken broth, butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. But it was the method and the little tips and tricks that Margaret shared with me that truly made this recipe special.

She explained that the key to a flavorful potato soup was to sauté the vegetables in butter until they were soft and fragrant before adding the flour to make a roux. This step would help to thicken the soup and add a rich and creamy texture. She also suggested using a combination of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for the best flavor and texture.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Margaret shared with me the story behind this recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a family favorite, especially during the cold winter months when a warm and comforting bowl of soup was just what was needed to chase away the chill.

Margaret's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she spoke about her grandmother and the memories they had shared in the kitchen. She told me how her grandmother would always say that the secret ingredient in any dish was love, and that cooking for loved ones was the greatest gift of all.

I felt a deep sense of connection to Margaret and her family as she shared this recipe with me. It was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a piece of her heritage, a taste of her childhood, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together.

As we sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Potato Soup II together, I savored every spoonful, letting the warmth and comfort of the soup envelop me like a hug from an old friend. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the bond that food creates between people and generations.

And so, whenever I make Potato Soup II, I think of Margaret and her grandmother, and the love and tradition that they passed down to me. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories that it brings with it. And I know that as I continue to cook and share this soup with my own loved ones, I am keeping alive a legacy of delicious food and heartfelt connections that will endure for years to come.