Onion and potato soup is a comforting, hearty dish that has stood the test of time as a favorite in many households. With its rich, velvety texture and a flavor profile that hits the sweet spot of savory, this soup is both simple and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or enjoy a cozy meal any time of the year, this recipe delivers. The combination of onions and potatoes creates a foundation that’s as satisfying as it is versatile.
What makes this soup so beloved? It’s a celebration of two humble ingredients-onions and potatoes-that, when paired with just the right seasonings, elevate each other to something extraordinary. If you’ve never tried this soup, you’re in for a treat that will surely become a staple in your recipe rotation. And if you’re already a fan, get ready for a few helpful tips and tweaks to make it even better!
Onion And Potato Soup Recipe
Making onion and potato soup is incredibly easy and doesn’t require a lot of time or complicated ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity-just a few basic ingredients simmered together to create a dish that’s both comforting and filling.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil – for sautéing the onions and creating that rich base flavor.
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced – the star of the soup! Onions provide the depth of flavor, sweetness, and complexity.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – potatoes add heartiness and a creamy texture once they’re cooked down.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth – the liquid that brings it all together. You can use store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.
- 1 cup milk or cream – to add richness and smoothness. You can adjust the amount for a thicker or lighter consistency.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – garlic offers a nice punch of flavor to balance the sweetness of the onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste – these will help bring out all the flavors of the soup.
- A pinch of dried thyme or fresh parsley (optional) – for an added herbal note. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional) – for thickening the soup, especially if you prefer a creamier consistency.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Vegetables
- Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into small cubes. This helps them cook faster and evenly. Slice your onions thinly, and mince the garlic so it can release its flavor.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they become soft and translucent, allowing the natural sweetness of the onions to shine through. You can even let them caramelize a bit for an extra rich, deep flavor.
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Add The Potatoes And Broth
- Once the onions are softened, add the diced potatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The potatoes will start breaking down, helping to thicken the soup naturally.
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Blend The Soup (optional)
- For a smoother texture, you can blend part or all of the soup. Using an immersion blender is the easiest method, but you can also carefully transfer it to a regular blender. Blend until smooth for a creamy consistency or leave some chunks if you prefer a heartier texture.
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Add Cream And Season
- Once blended (if you choose to do so), stir in the milk or cream for a velvety finish. Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’d like. A pinch of dried thyme or fresh parsley can really bring out the flavors at this stage.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a swirl of cream, if desired. Serve hot with some crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
- Onions: The type of onion you use can subtly affect the flavor of the soup. Yellow onions are the classic choice due to their balance of sweetness and sharpness. Red onions will offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, while white onions can add more of a pungent bite to the soup.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a great choice for this soup because they’re starchy and break down easily, giving the soup its signature creamy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a smoother, buttery texture, though they hold their shape a bit more than Russets.
- Broth: The base of the soup can be made with vegetable broth for a vegan version or chicken broth for a heartier, more robust flavor. Both options work wonderfully.
- Cream/Milk: For a truly indulgent soup, whole milk or cream will give the soup a luscious, silky texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or even non-dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk.
Expert Tips
- Caramelize the onions: If you want a deeper flavor, let the onions cook longer over lower heat to achieve a caramelized effect. This will bring out their natural sugars and give the soup a more complex taste.
- Add a bay leaf or rosemary sprig: Toss in a bay leaf or fresh sprig of rosemary while the soup simmers for an aromatic depth. Just be sure to remove them before blending or serving.
- Use an immersion blender: If you’re aiming for a smoother soup, an immersion blender is much easier to use than a regular blender, as you can blend directly in the pot and avoid transferring hot liquids.
- Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can even taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for olive oil and use a plant-based milk like coconut milk or almond milk. Make sure the broth is vegetable-based to keep it entirely vegan.
- Cheesy Potato Onion Soup: Stir in some grated cheddar cheese just before serving for a cheesy twist. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
- Spicy Onion and Potato Soup: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while the soup simmers. You can also add a diced chili pepper or some hot sauce to the mix.
- Bacon Topping: If you’re not vegetarian, crisp up some bacon and crumble it on top of the soup for added crunch and smoky flavor. It pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to infuse the soup with an herbal note. These flavors work wonderfully with the sweetness of the onions and the earthiness of the potatoes.
Final Words
Onion and potato soup is a truly satisfying dish that’s comforting in its simplicity but has endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer it creamy or chunky, light or indulgent, there’s a way to tailor it to your personal taste. Plus, it’s the kind of soup that gets even better the next day, so you can enjoy leftovers that taste just as amazing as the first serving.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. It can be made quickly on a weeknight or turned into a show-stopping dish for guests. It’s affordable, simple to prepare, and filled with rich flavors that will make everyone at the table smile.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For An Onion And Potato Soup Recipe?
The main ingredients for an onion and potato soup include onions, potatoes, butter or olive oil, vegetable or chicken broth, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add cream or milk for a richer texture.
Can I Make Onion And Potato Soup Without Using Cream?
Yes, you can make onion and potato soup without cream. The soup will still have a creamy texture from the blended potatoes. You can also use milk or a non-dairy milk alternative if you want a lighter option.
How Can I Make The Onion And Potato Soup Vegan?
To make onion and potato soup vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Omit any dairy or use a plant-based milk alternative like coconut or almond milk.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Onion And Potato Soup?
Yes, you can add vegetables like leeks, carrots, celery, or parsnips to the soup. These vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
How Long Does It Take To Make Onion And Potato Soup?
The total cooking time for onion and potato soup is around 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes sautéing the onions, cooking the potatoes, and simmering the soup until all the ingredients are tender.
Should I Peel The Potatoes Before Adding Them To The Soup?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to peel the potatoes for a smoother soup. However, if you prefer a chunkier, rustic texture, you can leave the skins on.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes such as russet potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are particularly good for making soups because they have a creamy texture when cooked.
How Can I Make The Onion And Potato Soup Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, you can add ingredients like cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce. You can also incorporate spicy herbs like paprika or add a diced chili pepper during the cooking process.
Can I Prepare Onion And Potato Soup In Advance And Freeze It?
Yes, onion and potato soup can be made in advance and frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth to restore the texture.
How Do I Blend The Soup For A Smooth Texture?
To achieve a smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender. Be sure to blend until the soup is velvety and creamy. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to adjust the consistency.