What comes to mind when you hear those words? Warm? Creamy? Topped with bacon?
Sometimes something sounds so perfect and delicious you just have to try it. I don't normally buy pre-made soups, but this one was way too tempting to pass up. Safeway makes several different home style soups, and I have heard good things about the quality (from my Mama), so I grabbed this without hesitation. It was everything a baked potato should be - soft floury potatoes, tangy sour cream, a hint of cheddar, and of course, mottled with (der...) chewy bacon bits.
So since I'm a home made nerd, and it's god damn freezing outside, I figured I should make some myself and see how it turns out. I googled a few recipes to get the gist and made up a recipe based on I think a baked potato should be - awesomely yummy and warming.
So here goes, I am writing this recipe as we speak...you are witnessing deliciousness in action...
- 4 medium russet potatoes, baked, peeled, and cut into bite sized chunks
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| Peeled while warm |
- 5-8 bacon slices, chopped and cooked till crisp
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| Y.u.m.m.y. |
- 1/2 small onion, chopped fine
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2/3 cup butter
- 2/3 cup flour
- 6-8 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup aged cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2-3 green onions about 1/4 cup chopped
- 1 handful of parsley, chopped
- S&P to taste
- nutmeg to taste- a SMALL pinch or 2-3 swipes of a nut on the microplane
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| Missing from pic: flour, cream, nutmeg, parsley, s&p |
- Saute onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil and butter till soft.
- Add the 2/3 cup butter and melt; add flour, cook for 2-3 minutes ( will be lumpy from onion and garlic).
- Add the broth. Cook while stirring until it starts to thicken, keeping heat on medium and simmer for a few minutes.
- GENTLY add potatoes....mine were really well baked and falling apart a bit. This is a good thing though, they will help thicken the soup. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The potatoes will break up a bit, adding thickness.*I added my green onions at this point-the man doesn't like raw onions, so I have to cook them*
- Add sour cream and grated cheese, continue on med-low till melted, do not simmer.
- Add BACON! and cream. Heat through-do not simmer or boil.
- Add parsley, green onions (if you haven't already) a few swipes of nutmeg, and S and P to taste.
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| Comfort in a bowl |
It turned out great - a bit tangy from the sour cream, the potatoes are soft but not mushy, and the bacon...well what can I say, it's bacon.
TIP#1: NEVER boil or simmer cream soups once the dairy has been added, they will separate and look gross.
TIP#2: I always add a bit of minced onion and garlic to soup recipes. They add flavour but you will never know they are there.
So that's about it, pretty simple really. This should warm us up and add a few layers of...warmth.
Do you crave soups in the winter? What is your favourite "heat me up" comfort food?
