No-Fuss Zesty Potato Soup
A creamy, zesty potato soup with tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting meals and easy to prepare on busy days.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed peeled potatoes ⓘ
- 5 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chopped chives ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated yellow Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Clean and prepare potatoes for cooking. Cook potatoes until tender. Drain and reserve potato water in a bowl.
- Slightly mash the potatoes and return them to the saucepan.
- Add all ingredients except flour and cheese to the saucepan.
- Cook on low heat, being careful not to scorch the milk.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 cup of reserved potato water to thicken.
- Slowly add the thickening mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Let simmer for about 10 minutes, adding more potato water if the soup is too thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese.
- Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley and chives.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water or adding a bay leaf while cooking. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend part of the soup and return it to the pot. For a dairy-free version, substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative. Use fresh herbs for garnishing; they enhance the flavor of the soup significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley and chives for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside the Wine And Wild Rice Casserole or Chicken-Rice Oven Dish. A sprinkle of additional cheese on top can make it even more delightful.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency. Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No-Fuss Zesty Potato Soup contains roughly 1549 calories, with 30g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (237% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use different types of potatoes for this soup?
Yes, you can use various types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary. Starchy potatoes like Russets will create a creamier soup, while waxy potatoes will maintain their shape more. Experiment to find your preferred combination!
How can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken bouillon granules with vegetable bouillon. For a vegan version, use plant-based margarine and substitute the evaporated milk with a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk. These adjustments will still yield a deliciously zesty potato soup.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more reserved potato water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually while heating on low to blend smoothly. Adjusting the thickness is easy, ensuring you can enjoy a perfectly creamy soup every time.
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).