Potato cream soup with milk

Creamy potato soup with milk – a warm hug in a bowl

If you're looking for a comforting and soothing dish for chilly days, creamy potato soup with milk is the perfect choice. This simple and delicious recipe combines the velvety texture of potatoes with the richness of milk, resulting in a soup that will not only warm your body but also your soul. The origins of this recipe lie in family culinary traditions, often prepared on cool evenings when the desire to savor something warm becomes overwhelming.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes (choose potatoes suitable for mashing, such as Yukon Gold)
- 50 g butter (for a rich and creamy taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (adds a subtle note of flavor)
- 1 l sweet milk (you can also use semi-skimmed milk for a lighter version)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: garlic croutons for serving

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water. Peel them with a sharp knife or a peeler, then cut them into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This uniform size will ensure even cooking.

2. Boiling the potatoes: In a large pot, add the chopped potatoes and fill with cold water, adding a teaspoon of salt. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes cook for 20 minutes, or until completely soft but not mushy. Test them by piercing with a fork.

3. Draining and mashing: After the potatoes are cooked, drain the water using a sieve. It is important to remove as much water as possible to achieve a richer creamy soup. Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and mash them using a potato masher or an immersion blender. If you don't have a blender, you can use a fork, but the process will take longer.

4. Adding the ingredients: While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter and olive oil. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Then, start adding the hot milk gradually, stirring constantly. Continue adding the milk until you reach the desired consistency. You can adjust the amount of milk according to your preferences – if you like a thicker soup, add less milk.

5. Seasoning: Taste the creamy soup and add salt if necessary. Remember that as it cools, the salt will become less pronounced, so it's good to adjust at the end.

6. Serving: Serve the creamy potato soup with garlic croutons. You can make the croutons by slicing bread, frying them in olive oil, and rubbing them with a clove of garlic. They add a crunchy texture and an enticing aroma.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to provide a note of diversity and extra vitamins.
- If you want a more intense flavor, experiment by adding spices like white pepper, nutmeg, or even a few fresh parsley leaves.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days. Reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
This creamy potato soup is an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Potatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while the milk adds protein and calcium. It is a quasi-complete dish that can be a good base for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can replace sweet milk with plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, but the taste will be different.

- How can I enhance the flavor of the soup? Try adding fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, while boiling the potatoes for an extra touch of flavor.

- Is this soup suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by using vegetable oil instead of butter and plant-based milk.

This creamy potato soup with milk is not only a delicious dish but also a recipe that brings beautiful memories and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Moreover, it is easy to adapt and personalize, so don't hesitate to experiment! Enjoy every spoonful and relish the comfort it offers.