CREAMY CROCK POT POTATO SOUP ULTIMATE

The ultimate guide to making Creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup is a culinary journey that every home cook should embark on. As a food scientist and a myth buster who loves sharing discoveries, I’m excited to take you through the process of creating this comforting and delicious dish.

The Science

Creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup is a classic comfort food that relies on a few key principles to achieve its signature texture and flavor. The slow cooking process in a crockpot allows the potatoes to break down and release their natural starches, creating a thick and creamy base. The addition of dairy products, such as milk and cream, further enhances the velvety mouthfeel, while aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs infuse the soup with a depth of flavor.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in the broth and stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are very soft.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, and continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Pour the thickened dairy mixture into the crockpot with the cooked potatoes. Stir to combine.
7. Add the dried thyme and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Serve hot, garnished with additional toppings if desired, such as shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions.

The Investigation

My first few attempts at making Creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup were a disaster. The potatoes would turn into a gloppy, starchy mess, and the soup lacked the rich, velvety texture I was aiming for. I thought I had the recipe figured out, but it just wasn’t coming together the way I envisioned. Then, I had an ‘Aha!’ moment. Like many of you, I initially thought that the key to a creamy potato soup was to simply let the potatoes break down in the slow cooker. While this is partially true, I realized that I was missing a crucial step – the roux.

Discovering the Power of the Roux

By creating a simple roux with butter and flour, I was able to thicken the dairy components of the soup and create a silky smooth texture. The roux acted as a binder, helping to emulsify the milk and cream, and preventing the soup from becoming overly starchy or grainy.

The Importance of Patience

Another key lesson I learned was the importance of patience. While it was tempting to crank up the heat and speed up the cooking process, I found that taking the time to let the potatoes slowly break down and the flavors meld together resulted in a far superior soup. The low and slow cooking method allowed the starches to release gradually, creating a beautifully thick and creamy base.

Balancing Flavors

Finally, I experimented with the ratio of broth, dairy, and seasonings to find the perfect balance of flavors. Too much broth resulted in a thin, watery soup, while too much dairy made it overly rich. The addition of herbs like thyme and parsley brought a fresh, aromatic note that complemented the creamy potato base.

The Technique

After countless experiments, I’ve perfected the ultimate method for making Creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup: 1. Start with Yukon Gold potatoes, as they have a naturally creamy texture that lends itself well to this dish. 2. Create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, then slowly incorporate the milk and cream. 3. Add the roux to the slow cooker with the cooked potatoes, and let the flavors meld together on low heat. 4. Season with a blend of dried herbs, salt, and pepper to balance the flavors. 5. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions, for a truly indulgent and satisfying meal. By following this foolproof method, you’ll be able to create a Creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!