When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato soup to bring comfort and coziness to your day. Eat N Park’s potato soup is a beloved classic that has been warming hearts and satisfying appetites for years. Known for its creamy texture, rich flavor, and the perfect blend of seasonings, this soup is a staple for many. Today, we’re going to unravel the secrets behind this comforting dish so you can recreate it at home.
Ingredients
The foundation of any great soup lies in its ingredients. For the Eat N Park potato soup, you’ll need the following:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for garnish)
- Chopped chives (optional for garnish)
- Bacon bits (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set these aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes, reserving about 1 cup of the broth.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the flour doesn’t brown.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the reserved chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the cooked potatoes back into the pot.
- Season the Soup: Add the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried parsley, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. Let the soup simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only a portion of the soup. For a smoother texture, blend until completely smooth.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup heat through, but do not let it boil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, and bacon bits if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Potato Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because of their starchy texture, which breaks down well and creates a creamy consistency.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: The combination of butter and flour cooked together forms the base for a thick and rich soup.
- Seasoning is Key: The blend of dried thyme, parsley, and smoked paprika adds depth and complexity to the soup, making it more than just a simple potato soup.
- Blend to Your Liking: Whether you prefer a chunky or smooth soup, an immersion blender allows you to control the texture easily.
Final Thoughts
Recreating Eat N Park’s potato soup at home is a delightful way to bring a touch of restaurant-quality comfort to your kitchen. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and the perfect balance of seasonings, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or simply craving a bowl of cozy comfort, this potato soup recipe is a timeless classic that will warm both your heart and your stomach.