## Ingredients:
- 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, sour cream, chopped fresh parsley
### Instructions:
1. **Cook Potatoes**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. **Make Roux**: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
3. **Add Broth**: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. **Add Potatoes**: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the soup back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
5. **Simmer**: Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
6. **Blend (Optional)**: For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
7. **Add Milk or Cream**: Stir in the milk or heavy cream, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. **Serve**: Ladle the potato soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, sour cream, or chopped fresh parsley.
9. **Enjoy**: Serve the potato soup hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side. Enjoy the creamy and comforting flavors of homemade potato soup!
### Tips:
- Feel free to customize the soup by adding other ingredients such as diced carrots, celery, leeks, or corn.
- For a richer and creamier soup, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
- Leftover potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
With this easy potato soup recipe, you can enjoy a cozy and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite toppings and savor the delicious flavors of homemade soup!