Judy'S Hearty Potato Soup
A comforting, hearty potato soup with tender potatoes, aromatic leeks, and a creamy broth, perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a large saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat.
- Add sliced leeks and celery.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in potatoes and grated carrot.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Mash potatoes slightly to thicken the soup.
- Stir in evaporated milk, parsley, and thyme.
- Cook until heated thoroughly, do not boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with shredded Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra creaminess, substitute half of the evaporated milk with heavy cream. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a hint of spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty potato soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with shredded Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Consider serving alongside a light dish like Ann'S Chicken Divan to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Judy'S Hearty Potato Soup contains roughly 1807 calories, with 32g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (190% of the Daily Value), and potassium (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2105mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, the texture may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash a portion of the potatoes directly in the pot, as suggested in the recipe. Alternatively, you could add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water) to the soup while it simmers for a few minutes.
What can I use instead of leeks?
If you don't have leeks on hand, you can substitute them with onions or shallots for a similar flavor. Green onions can also work well, offering a milder taste while still adding depth to the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).