Extra Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Chopped green onions or chives for garnish (optional)
• Crumbled bacon for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

   • Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Set aside.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent.

3. Make the Roux:

   • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

4. Add Broth and Potatoes:

   • Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

6. Blend:

   • Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend, and then return it to the pot.

7. Add Milk or Cream:

   • Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream and stir well. Allow the soup to heat through but avoid boiling after adding the dairy.

8. Cheese:

   • Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

9. Season:

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Adjust the consistency with more broth or milk if needed.

10. Serve:

    • Ladle the extra creamy potato soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and crumbled bacon if desired.

Enjoy this rich and comforting all-day extra creamy potato soup! It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you're craving a warm and satisfying bowl of goodness.