Hearty Potato Meal Prep Soup

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, with the right recipes, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. And what better way to embrace the season of cozy comfort than with a hearty potato soup, perfect for meal prepping? This recipe is designed to be flavorful, nutritious, and easily scalable for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners.

The Allure of Potato Soup for Meal Prep

Potato soup is a classic for a reason. It’s versatile, affordable, and incredibly satisfying. Its creamy texture and earthy flavor make it a comforting choice, while the addition of various vegetables and proteins allows for endless customization. When it comes to meal prepping, potato soup shines because it stores well, reheats beautifully, and is just as delicious (if not more so) on day five as it is on day one. Plus, potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this soup a nutritious choice as well.

Crafting the Perfect Hearty Potato Soup Recipe

This recipe focuses on creating a balanced and flavorful potato soup that holds up well during meal prep. We’ll be using a combination of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes for a blend of creaminess and texture. The addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions contributes depth of flavor, while spices like smoked paprika and thyme add warmth and complexity.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 lb Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup milk or cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the diced Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. Add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

4. Blend for Creaminess (Optional): For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternatively, carefully transfer a few cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.

5. Finish with Dairy (Optional): If desired, stir in the milk or cream for extra richness and creaminess. Heat through gently, but do not boil.

6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking.

7. Cool and Portion: Allow the soup to cool completely before portioning it into individual meal prep containers.

Meal Prep Magic: Storage, Reheating, and Customization

The key to successful meal prepping is proper storage and reheating. This potato soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted flavors from the fridge.

Storage Tips:

• Cool Completely: Always let the soup cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation from forming inside the containers, which can lead to spoilage.
• Airtight Containers: Use high-quality, airtight containers to keep the soup fresh and prevent leaks.
• Portion Control: Divide the soup into individual servings to make it easy to grab and go.

Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

Customization Options:

The beauty of potato soup is its versatility. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking with these customization options:

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, sausage, or diced ham for a protein boost.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Variations: Ensure you use vegetable broth. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) instead of dairy milk. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Lovers: Stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack cheese for extra cheesy goodness.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, chives, or garlic powder.
• Vegetable Medley: Add other vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.

Beyond the Bowl: Serving Suggestions and Creative Twists

While potato soup is delicious on its own, there are many ways to elevate your meal and make it even more satisfying.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Toppings: Top with chopped green onions, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Grilled Cheese: Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
• Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Creative Twists:

• Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Transform the soup into a “loaded baked potato” experience by adding all your favorite baked potato toppings, such as bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives.
• Potato Corn Chowder: Add corn kernels and diced red bell pepper for a creamy and flavorful chowder.
• Spicy Chorizo Potato Soup: Add cooked chorizo sausage and a pinch of smoked paprika for a spicy and smoky twist.
• Creamy Pesto Potato Soup: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto for a vibrant and flavorful soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze this potato soup for longer storage?

Yes, you can freeze potato soup, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Potatoes can become a bit grainy when frozen and thawed. To minimize this, consider freezing the soup before adding any dairy products. Add milk or cream after thawing and reheating.

How long does potato soup last in the refrigerator?

Potato soup will typically last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make potato soup in a slow cooker, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Then, add the potatoes, broth, spices, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Blend or mash the potatoes as desired and stir in the milk or cream before serving.

What kind of potatoes are best for potato soup?

A combination of Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes is ideal. Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, while Russet potatoes add body and thickness to the soup. Other good options include red potatoes or white potatoes.

How can I thicken potato soup if it’s too thin?

If your potato soup is too thin, you can thicken it by:

• Blending: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender.
• Potato Starch: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or potato starch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and simmer until thickened.
• Mashed Potatoes: Stir in a small amount of instant mashed potatoes.