Creamy Potato Soup

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– Sour cream, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Bacon:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
– Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– Add the olive oil to the pot with the bacon fat.
– Sauté the chopped onion until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. **Cook the Potatoes:**
– Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
– Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
– Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. **Blend the Soup:**
– Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

5. **Finish the Soup:**
– Stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt, pepper, and paprika.
– Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.

6. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the crispy bacon, chopped fresh parsley, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Enjoy your creamy potato soup with a rich flavor and a comforting texture!