There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. Imagine a soup that’s both comforting and easy to make. On busy days, a simple meal is a lifesaver. That’s why this 4 ingredient potato soup is perfect. It’s a cozy treat for any occasion, whether you’re alone or with friends.
Simple recipes are a blessing for those with little time or money. This recipe shows how to make a delicious soup with just a few ingredients. With potatoes, milk or cream, onions, and butter, you can whip up a soup that’s both tasty and comforting. It proves that sometimes, the simplest things are the best.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Potato Soup
This quick potato soup is loved by many for its simplicity and rich taste. It only needs four main ingredients to make a delicious soup. It’s easy to make and satisfies your cravings quickly.
No-Fuss and Fast
If you’re short on time, this soup is perfect. It’s ready in about 45 minutes, with just 15 minutes of prep. The potatoes cook in 20 minutes, making it a quick and filling meal.
Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
This soup is not only quick but also budget-friendly. It uses basic ingredients like potatoes, chicken stock, and flour. It’s also filling, thanks to the potatoes and onions, serving 4 to 6 people.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Need a healthy dinner after a long day? This soup is ideal for weeknights. It’s easy to make and pairs well with a salad or bread. Each serving has about 224 calories, making it a nutritious choice for your busy schedule.
Ingredients Needed for 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
Making a delicious potato soup with just 4 ingredients is easy and fast. Here are the key items you need for a tasty and comforting soup.
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are key for this recipe. They make the soup creamy. You’ll need about 1.5 pounds of Russet potatoes, which is about 4 cups when chopped.
Milk or Cream
Adding milk or cream makes the soup creamy. Use 1/4 cup of cream for the best result. You can also try half-and-half, sour cream, or plain yogurt for different tastes.
Onions and Butter
Onions and butter make the soup rich and flavorful. Use one medium onion, chopped into about 2 cups. Add 3 tablespoons of butter for that deep, savory taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Simple Potato Soup
Making simple potato soup is easy. Follow these steps to make a delicious basic potato soup. It’s a comforting meal for your family.
Preparing the Potatoes
Begin by peeling and chopping 2 pounds of Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes. These potatoes make the soup creamy. Put the chopped potatoes in cold water to stop them from browning while you work on the onions.
Sautéing the Onions
In a big pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 large leeks, thinly sliced, using only the white and light green parts. Cook until they’re soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir often to cook evenly. This step adds depth to your soup.
Simmering the Soup
Add the chopped potatoes to the pot with 6 cups of leek top broth or vegetable broth. Include 3 sprigs of fresh thyme and 3 grated garlic cloves. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. This makes the potatoes tender and blends the flavors.
Mashing or Blending
When the potatoes are tender, remove the thyme sprigs. For a chunky soup, mash some potatoes with a potato masher. For a smoother soup, blend it with an immersion blender in the pot. Or, blend it in batches in a traditional blender. Stir in 1 cup of milk or cream, and season with salt and black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or fluffy biscuits.
Tips for the Creamiest Potato Soup
To make the creamiest potato soup, choose the right ingredients and tools. Here are some expert tips to help you make the best creamy potato soup easily.
Using Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best for creamy soup. They have lots of starch and less water, making the soup smooth. Clean and peel the potatoes well before cutting them into equal pieces for even cooking.
Whole Milk vs. Cream
Choosing between whole milk and cream affects the soup’s richness. Whole milk is lighter, but cream makes it richer. Both options make the soup creamy and flavorful.
Immersion Blender for Smooth Texture
An immersion blender is essential for a smooth soup. It blends the soup right in the pot, saving you from hot liquid transfers. Blend until smooth for a perfectly creamy soup.
Delicious Toppings for Your Basic Potato Soup
Make your potato soup even better with tasty toppings. The right ones can turn a simple soup into a special dish.
Chopped Green Onions
Chopped green onions bring freshness and a hint of onion taste. They add a crisp, tangy flavor to your soup. Sprinkle them on top for a great taste.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy, cheesy flavor. It melts well, making your soup richer. Choose a good cheddar for the best taste.
Crumbled Bacon
Crumbled bacon adds a salty, crunchy element. It pairs well with the soup’s creaminess. Add as much as you like to enhance your meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Potato Soup
Storing and reheating potato soup right keeps it tasty and creamy. Whether you want to eat it soon or later, knowing how to store and reheat is key.
Refrigeration Tips
Keep your potato soup fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Creamy soups usually last three days. Cool the soup fast to avoid spoilage; an ice bath helps.
Don’t cover the soup while it cools. This prevents it from cooling too slowly.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is good for longer storage. Soups can stay frozen for up to three months at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave space in the container for expansion.
This way, your soup stays fresh and ready for when you need it.
Reheating Methods
Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight before reheating. For stovetop, warm it gently over medium heat, stirring often. This keeps it creamy.
In the microwave, reheat in short intervals, stirring between each. This prevents it from becoming grainy or separating.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your soup as if it were new.
Additional Variations of the Potato Soup Recipe
The beauty of a versatile potato soup recipe is how it can change with your taste. By adjusting a few ingredients, you can make tasty potato soup variations for any event.
Adding Garlic and Herbs
For a stronger flavor, add garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary. Mince 3 to 4 cloves of garlic and cook with your onions. A teaspoon of chopped rosemary or a quarter cup of fresh dill can make it better. If fresh herbs are not available, a tablespoon of dried dill is a good substitute.
Making it Spicy
For a spicy versatile potato soup recipe, add crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust to your liking. This adds a spicy kick and a new flavor to the classic soup.
Cheesy Potato Soup Version
To make a cheesy potato soup, add 1 to 2 cups of your favorite cheese. Sharp cheddar or Gruyère work well, melting into the soup. Stir in the cheese at the end to get a creamy, cheesy potato soup variations.
Trying these variations keeps this versatile potato soup recipe a favorite. It offers many ways to make your soup even better.
4 Ingredient Potato Soup in Under 30 Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick potato soup, you’re in luck. This recipe is fast and easy, perfect for busy days. It’s a creamy delight that’s ready in no time.
First, gather your ingredients: potatoes, broth, butter, and milk. These simple items make a comforting soup for eight people. The secret to a quick soup is efficient cooking and planning.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and chop potatoes into small pieces. This helps them cook faster and evenly. Russet potatoes are best for their creamy texture, but Yukon Gold and red potatoes work well too.
- Sauté the Onions: Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they’re translucent, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the potatoes and 6 cups of broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend and Simmer: Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. For a chunkier soup, leave some potatoes whole. Stir in 1 cup of milk or cream for creaminess.
In 20 to 30 minutes, your potato soup is ready. Top it with cheddar cheese, green onions, or crispy bacon for extra flavor. This soup is perfect for quick meals, great for weeknights or weekends.
Conclusion
This easy 4-ingredient potato soup shows how simple it is to make a comforting meal. Just potatoes, onions, butter, and milk are needed. You can make it in under 30 minutes.
It’s perfect for those who want a quick and affordable meal. Russet potatoes make the soup creamy. You can add shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
If you enjoy hearty and flavorful soups, you might also love this Taco Soup Frios for a delicious twist.
This soup is great for any time you need a satisfying meal. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep.
The taste and simplicity of this potato soup make it a standout. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a budget-friendly comfort food option. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy the warmth and creaminess of this dish.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for the 4 ingredient potato soup?
You’ll need Russet potatoes, milk or cream, onions, and butter for this soup.
How do I prepare the potatoes for this easy potato soup?
Start by peeling and cutting the Russet potatoes into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
Can I use an immersion blender for a smooth texture?
Yes, an immersion blender is great for a smooth and creamy soup. It avoids the need to transfer the soup to a blender.
What type of milk or cream should I use for this simple potato soup?
Choose between whole milk or cream. This depends on whether you want a richer or lighter soup.
How do I store and reheat leftover potato soup?
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw first and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir often to keep it creamy.
What are some delicious toppings for this basic potato soup?
Add flavor and texture with toppings like chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
Can I add other ingredients to the 4 ingredient potato soup?
Absolutely! Try adding garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary for more flavor. Spices like crushed red pepper add heat. Sharp cheddar or Gruyère make it cheesy.
How long does it take to make this quick potato soup?
This soup is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
What makes this no-fuss potato soup budget-friendly?
It’s affordable because it uses simple, cheap ingredients like potatoes, onions, milk or cream, and butter. It’s a hearty, budget-friendly meal.
Can I customize the texture of the potato soup?
Yes, you can. Mash the ingredients for a chunkier soup or blend them for a smooth, creamy soup.