Introduction
Transform humble potatoes into a luxurious, creamy soup that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This Rafferty’s Potato Soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering big on flavor without sacrificing precious time. We’re all about quick, delicious meals here at RateMyRecipes, and this one hits the spot!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s incredibly simple, uses pantry staples, and delivers a rich, comforting flavor that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. The secret? Perfectly cooked potatoes, a touch of cream, and some flavorful herbs. It’s the ultimate weeknight winner!
Key Ingredients
🥔 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🥛 4 cups milk
🥣 2 cups chicken broth
🧈 2 tbsp butter
🌿 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
🌿 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Melt the butter (🧈) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion (🧅) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Add the garlic (🧄) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in the potatoes (🥔) and cook for 2 minutes, coating them in the butter and onion mixture.
4️⃣ Pour in the milk (🥛) and chicken broth (🥣). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
5️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in the thyme (🌿) and parsley (🌿). Season with salt (🧂) and pepper (🧂) to taste.
6️⃣ Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. (Be careful when blending hot liquids!)
7️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for extra creaminess.
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of all milk.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes, or they’ll become mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Heat Control
Maintaining a gentle simmer is key. High heat will cause the milk to scorch and the potatoes to break down unevenly. A low and steady simmer ensures perfectly cooked potatoes and a smooth, creamy texture.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is naturally creamy, you can add a crunch element by topping it with crispy bacon bits, croutons, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For quicker cleanup, use a large pot with a lid to minimize splattering.
- Make it ahead! This soup tastes even better the next day.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, comforting spice note.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful gift! Package it in a thermos or a beautiful mason jar with a festive ribbon. Include a handwritten recipe card for an extra personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Rafferty’s: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 Cheesy Rafferty’s: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese before blending for extra cheesy goodness.
🌟 Bacon Rafferty’s: Cook some bacon and crumble it on top for a salty, smoky flavor.
🌟 Roasted Garlic Rafferty’s: Roast a head of garlic before mincing it for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Soup is too thick: Add more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Soup is too thin: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Potatoes are mushy: Don’t overcook them; ensure they are just tender but not falling apart.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, but Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work best for their creamy texture.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Creamy Rafferty’s Potato Soup is a true comfort food classic, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy evenings in. We hope you love it as much as we do! Share your creations and photos with us on RateMyRecipes – we can’t wait to see your versions!
30-Minute Creamy Potato Soup: Weeknight Bliss
A quick and easy creamy potato soup that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sautu00e9 until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend in batches using a regular blender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Tips
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor and protein.