Garlic Potato Soup
Like I mentioned in my post yesterday, Eric and I have been on a bit of a soup kick lately. Due to the crazy weather we’ve had (flip flops one day, pea coat the next), I have been craving soup more than usual. I have a few favorite soups that I make when I’m feeling bad, but I wanted to try something different and was so happy when I found this recipe. Most of the potato soups I’ve had get the majority of their flavor from the bacon, cheddar and green onions on top and not the soup itself. I was intrigued by this recipe, and you know I can’t resist anything with garlic in the title.
The thing I loved about this soup is that both the garlic and potato flavors were evident. The soup uses two types of potatoes – russets and Red Bliss. The starchy russets break down, thickening the soup. The Red Bliss potatoes provide more flavor and maintain their shape so that the soup remains somewhat chunky. Three different techniques are used for the garlic in this soup – sautéing, poaching and frying. We’ve never poached garlic before, but the outcome is basically the same as roasted garlic. The poached garlic is used to create a paste to flavor the soup. The recipe instructs to add half, then additional to taste. When Eric was adding it, he said, “You want me to add all the garlic paste, right?” My response was that there was no need to even ask. We both love garlic that much. The fried garlic is used as a garnish for the soup and adds a crunchy texture to it. You can also use croutons or fried leeks. However you top it, this soup is rich, delicious and perfect for chilly nights.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise and chopped small (about 1 cup)
3 medium cloves garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 1 tablespoon)
2 heads garlic, rinsed, papery skins removed and top third of heads cut off and discarded
6-7 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
¾ teaspoon salt
1½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 4½ cups)
1 pound red bliss potatoes (unpeeled), cut into ½-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
½ cup heavy cream
1½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup minced fresh chives
For the garlic chips:
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 1
In a Dutch oven set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once foaming subsides, add leeks and cook until soft but not browned, 5-8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add garlic heads, 6 cups of broth, bay leaves and salt.
Partially cover pot and increase heat to medium-high. When mixture reaches a simmer, reduce heat and continue simmering 30-40 minutes or until garlic is soft enough to be easily pierced with the tip of a knife. Add potatoes and continue to simmer, partially covered, for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- 2
Meanwhile, make garlic chips by heating oil and garlic in a 10-inch skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook, turning frequently, until garlic is light golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer garlic to a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside.
Discard bay leaves and remove garlic heads from soup. Using tongs, gently squeeze garlic heads at the base to remove each clove from its papery skin. Using a fork, mash cloves to form a smooth paste.
- 3
Stir cream, thyme and half the garlic paste into the soup. Cook for about 2 minutes, until soup is warmed through. Taste and add additional garlic paste, if desired.
Using an immersion blender, carefully process soup until creamy but with some chunks remaining. Alternately, a potato masher can be used to mash some of the potatoes, but the consistency will not be as creamy. Add more broth if necessary to reach desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve soup with garlic chips and chives.
Oh wow, yum- thick and hearty!
Definitely stick-to-your-ribs! I made a potato-leek soup from Dorie Greenspan and it was kind of blah (sorry, Dorie!) but this looks delish! Kind of like Barefoot Contessa’s version- the next one on my list 🙂
Wow. This looks perfect! I love potato and garlic. Thanks for sharing!
This looks fantastic! I made a potato soup from CI a few months ago that was good, but it was much richer. Can’t wait to try this version!
This looks so creamy and smooth! Yum!
This looks so hearty and incredible! Love the photos! 🙂
I’ve been dying for some potato soup ever since watching the Target challenge on Top Chef a few weeks ago. I think this soup might win me over and curb my cravings!!!! Yum!
I hardly ever make soup, because I hate broth. This looks a lot more like stew, which I love. I’ve never had potato soup before, or at least not with mashed/blended potatoes.. always with big chunks. Looks delicious!
I love soups! This looks like a recipe to keep! thanks for sharing!
What if I don’t have a dutch oven?
You can just use a large pot.