Potato soup is a classic comfort dish that warms the soul, especially during colder months. This recipe for a 4 ingredient potato soup is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal. With minimal ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful soup that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling cozy and content.
Why 4 Ingredient Potato Soup?
When life gets busy, having a go-to recipe that requires only a few ingredients can be a lifesaver. This 4 ingredient potato soup is not only simple but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a light meal or pair it with a salad or sandwich for a more substantial lunch or dinner. The best part? You probably already have these ingredients in your pantry.
The Key Ingredients
To make this soup, you’ll need just four basic ingredients: potatoes, onions, butter, and milk. These ingredients work together to create a creamy, rich soup with a smooth texture and comforting flavor. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Potatoes
The star of the dish, potatoes provide the soup with its bulk and body. For this recipe, it’s best to use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. These varieties break down easily when cooked, giving the soup a velvety texture. Peel and chop the potatoes into small, even pieces for quicker cooking.
Onions
Onions add a depth of flavor to the soup, giving it a slightly sweet and savory taste. A medium-sized yellow onion is ideal for this recipe. Finely chop the onion so it blends seamlessly into the soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile without overpowering the taste of the potatoes.
Butter
Butter is essential for adding richness to the soup. It not only helps sauté the onions but also contributes to the soup’s creamy consistency. Unsalted butter is preferable so that you can control the salt level in your soup. A couple of tablespoons of butter will do the trick.
Milk
Milk is the final ingredient that turns this simple soup into a creamy delight. Whole milk is recommended for a richer soup, but you can use 2% milk or even a dairy-free alternative like almond milk if you prefer. The milk should be added gradually, allowing it to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making this 4 ingredient potato soup. The steps are straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced cooks.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by peeling and chopping the potatoes into small cubes. Finely chop the onion as well. Set the butter and milk aside, as you’ll be adding them later in the cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The butter and onions should create a fragrant base for your soup.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Once the onions are softened, add the chopped potatoes to the pot. Stir the potatoes to coat them in the butter and onions. This step ensures that the potatoes will absorb the flavors as they cook.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Pour enough water into the pot to cover the potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the potatoes cook until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know the potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only part of the mixture and leave some potato pieces intact.
Step 6: Add the Milk
Gradually stir in the milk, adding just enough to achieve a creamy texture. Return the pot to the stove and heat the soup over low heat until it is warmed through. Be careful not to let it boil, as this could cause the milk to curdle.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of chopped chives, or a handful of shredded cheese if desired.
Tips for Perfect 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
While this soup is easy to make, a few tips can help ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: Fresh, firm potatoes will give your soup the best texture. Avoid using potatoes that are sprouting or have green spots.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes as they simmer. Overcooking them can lead to a mushy texture, which might make the soup too thick.
- Adjust the Thickness: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a little extra milk or water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
Variations and Additions
One of the great things about this 4 ingredient potato soup is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize the soup to your taste.
Add Bacon
For a smoky flavor, try adding cooked, crumbled bacon to the soup. Stir it in just before serving, or sprinkle it on top as a garnish. The bacon adds a nice crunch and a savory element that pairs well with the creamy potatoes.
Use Chicken Broth
If you want to add more depth of flavor, replace the water with chicken broth. The broth will give the soup a richer taste without adding any extra ingredients. Make sure to use low-sodium broth to avoid making the soup too salty.
Incorporate Vegetables
To make the soup more nutritious, consider adding some chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks. Sauté them with the onions for an extra layer of flavor. This will also add some color and texture to the soup.
Spice it Up
For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. This will give the soup a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic soup.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
This 4 ingredient potato soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a quick lunch, or even as a starter for a dinner party. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine, making it a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Nutritional Information
This soup is relatively low in calories and fat, especially if you use 2% milk or a dairy-free alternative. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium from the potatoes. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a light margarine.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a splash of milk or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
With just four simple ingredients, this potato soup is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something delicious. Whether you’re short on time, ingredients, or just looking for a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups milk
Instructions:
- Peel and chop the potatoes and onion.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
- Add the potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with butter and onions.
- Pour in enough water to cover the potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat and blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Gradually stir in the milk and heat the soup until warmed through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.