Onion soup with potatoes

Onion and potato soup is an excellent choice for a warm and comforting meal, perfect for chilly days or for moments when you feel the need for something to lift your spirits. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the creamy texture of potatoes, resulting in a delicious and nourishing soup. Let's explore together how to prepare this onion and potato soup.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 7 medium-large onions (approximately 800 g)
- 4-5 potatoes (approximately 1 kg)
- 2 Knorr beef cubes
- 1.5 l water
- 50 g butter for sautéing
- A pinch of chicken seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g grated cheese (Emmental, Gruyère, or Parmesan, according to preference)
- 2 garlic cloves (optional)
- Thyme (optional)
- A splash of wine (optional, for extra flavor)

Brief history of the recipe:
Onion and potato soup can be found in traditional kitchens around the world, being a classic example of comfort food. The origins of this soup are closely linked to the use of simple and accessible ingredients, evolving over time to bring each culture a specific touch. The combination of onion, potatoes, and spices responds to the human need to nourish, warm up, and feel good in moments of culinary indulgence.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the onions:
Start by peeling and slicing the onions into thin rings. This is a crucial step, as the onion will become the base of your soup. Uniform cutting will ensure even cooking. Heat the butter in a large pot over low heat and add the sliced onions. Sauté for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will allow the onions to become sweet and caramelized, giving the soup a rich and deep flavor.

2. Adding the flavors:
Once the onions are softened and have taken on a golden hue, add the chopped garlic (if you choose to use it), thyme, chicken seasoning, pepper, and beef cubes. Mix well to combine the flavors. The garlic adds a subtle note of flavor, but it is optional if you prefer a milder taste.

3. Boiling the soup:
Pour the water into the pot and bring everything to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. At this stage, you can add a splash of white wine if desired, to give the soup a sophisticated touch.

4. Adding the potatoes:
While the soup is simmering, peel and cut the potatoes into cubes of about 2 cm. After the 15 minutes, add the potatoes to the pot and let the soup continue to simmer, covered, until the potatoes are soft and can be easily mashed with a fork (about 15-20 minutes). If you find the soup is getting too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.

5. Blending the soup:
Once the potatoes are ready, take an immersion blender and blend the soup until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in small batches to a blender, being careful not to burn yourself. This step will transform the soup into a delicious and velvety cream.

6. Finalizing the dish:
Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Now is the perfect time to tweak the flavors by adding more salt or seasoning if necessary.

7. Serving:
Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with grated cheese on top. It will melt slightly upon contact with the warm soup, adding extra flavor and texture. Stir well before serving to avoid having a clump of cheese in the middle of the soup.

Practical tips:

- Types of onions: You can experiment with different types of onions, such as yellow onion for a sweeter taste or red onion for a hint of acidity.
- Customization: Add vegetables like carrots or celery to enrich the soup's flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a refreshing touch at serving.
- Storage: The soup can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later; just make sure to let it cool completely before storing in freezer bags.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This onion and potato soup is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Onions are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while potatoes provide a significant amount of complex carbohydrates, giving you energy throughout the day. A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of broth? Yes, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef cubes for a vegetarian option.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a pinch of chili powder or chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Is this a vegetarian recipe? No, but it can be easily adapted by omitting the beef cubes and using water or vegetable broth.

Delicious pairings:
This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread with butter and herbs or with a fresh salad as a starter. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or a warm herbal tea can wonderfully complement the meal.

Onion and potato soup is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to bring family or friends together to enjoy a comforting dish. Don't forget to enjoy every step of cooking and bring a little of your soul into each serving. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 7 medium-large onions, 4-5 potatoes (1 kg), 2 Knorr beef cubes, 1.5 liters of water, oil for frying, a pinch of seasoning for chicken and pepper, grated cheese (Emmental, Gruyère, Parmesan, your choice), 2 cloves of garlic (optional), thyme (optional), a splash of wine (optional) - it is used in the Dutch recipe, but I didn't use it.