Creamy Irish Potato Soup

Warm, hearty, and velvety smooth, this Creamy Irish Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like potatoes, onions, and leeks, this classic soup is rich without being heavy, and full of that rustic charm you love in Irish cooking. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients – No fancy ingredients, just pure comfort.
Rich & Creamy – Without being too heavy.
Perfect for Cold Weather – Cozy, warming, and hearty.
One Pot Recipe – Easy to make and easy to clean up.
Customizable – Add bacon, herbs, or cheese for a delicious twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced and rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or cream for richer flavor)
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy version
• ½ cup cooked crumbled turkey bacon
• A dollop of sour cream for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or countertop blender
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sliced leeks, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot.
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from heat.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Stir in Milk or Cream
Return the pot to low heat.
Stir in the milk (or cream) and heat gently until warmed through.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh chopped chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread or soda bread.

Tips for Success
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes – They’re creamy and buttery, perfect for soups.
Sauté the Leeks Properly – Brings out a sweet, mild onion flavor.
Blend Carefully – Hot liquids expand when blended; blend in batches if using a countertop blender.
Don’t Boil After Adding Milk – Heat gently to avoid curdling.
Customize It – Add cheese, bacon, or herbs to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions
With Soda Bread – Classic Irish pairing.
With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad lightens up the meal.
With Grilled Cheese – Ultimate cozy comfort food combo.
Topped with Sour Cream – Adds a tangy creaminess.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Microwave: Heat individual bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I leave the soup chunky instead of blending?
   Yes! Just mash some of the potatoes with a spoon for a more rustic texture.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk.
3. Can I use russet potatoes?
   You can, but they may give a slightly grainier texture compared to Yukon Golds.
4. Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
   Sure! Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crispy turkey bacon.
5. How do I make it extra creamy?
   Use heavy cream instead of milk and add a little extra butter.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Irish Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl—rich, silky, and deeply satisfying. Made with simple, honest ingredients, it’s a perfect dish for cozy evenings, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or whenever you need a little warmth from the kitchen.

Simmer up a pot today and enjoy the simple, hearty flavors of Ireland! Don’t forget to share your cozy soup creations online!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: Irish / Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – serves 6):
Calories: 230 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 400mg

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