Recipes, Photography, Musings

Fabulous February Potato Soup

Warm up with a steaming bowl of this deeply satisfying soup.  Potatoes are so versatile that there are endless ways to give variety to the classic potato soup.  This soup, with potatoes, corn, and barley, is lightly spiced with chili powder and cumin, and flavored with a touch of honey and Worcestershire sauce.  Easy to make, not to mention easy on the budget, this soup is a great answer to the question, “what on earth am I going to make for dinner tonight?”

DSC_0520There are evenings when I ask myself that question, and since this soup is made from things that I usually have in my pantry and freezer, it can get me out of a tight spot sometimes. Just serve it with some good bread and/or a green salad, and you have a delicious, comforting winter meal (and probably leftovers for another quick meal–soup always tastes better the second day).  And feel free to throw in some other ingredients too–leftover noodles or couscous also taste good in it!

potato soup with potatoes 2I have been away from the blogging world for a couple of weeks, since my husband recently had knee surgery to repair an injury he got while playing soccer, and I have been taking care of him.  He has been improving really well, but it is a long process.  That’s why wholesome, comforting soups are so good for our family right now.  When things are out of the ordinary, and everyone needs a little extra care, a good, warm bowl of soup can do wonders.

potato soup with spoon 2Or even when things are ordinary, very ordinary, and the February wind is blowing right through your coat, your driveway is a sheet of ice one day and slushy mud the next, a warm bowl of soup can do wonders.

With my husband being laid up for a couple weeks, I have been doing some of his usual jobs around the house.  One of them is taking the dog out one last time before bed.  Although I am bone-tired by then, I drag myself outside and look up, and if it is a clear night, I am amazed.  All the beautiful stars.  Somehow they seem even more beautiful in the winter, on a cold night.  I am thankful to have to go out and look up.  I hope you all have a great weekend.

potato soup and one potatoDSC_0523-001A bunch of wonderful bloggers are gathering at Angie’s Fiesta Friday, co-hosted this week by Lily @ Little Sweet Baker and Julianna @ Foodie on Board , and I look forward to joining them!

Fabulous February Potato Soup

  • Servings: 8
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 5-6 medium to large potatoes, diced
  • 2 ribs of celery, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 6 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup of corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1 cup of cooked barley
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups of milk (I use 2%–use whole or half and half for a creamier soup)
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of chili powder, depending on your taste
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cumin, depending on your taste
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • parsley for garnish

Directions:

In a small pot, cook the barley according to package directions.  In a large pot, bring the 8 cups of broth to a boil.  Wash and dice the potatoes.  When the broth is boiling, add the potatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes.  Add the corn, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and the cooked barley, when the barley is done.

Meanwhile, wash and chop the celery and onions and mince the garlic.  In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat.  Sauté the celery, onion, and garlic until celery is tender (it’s okay if the green onion gets a little browned).  Add the chili powder, cumin, and flour.  Cook for 1 minute, stirring to combine.  Gradually add the milk, and stir until thickened.  Add this mixture to the potato mixture in the soup pot.  Simmer until the flavors have had a chance to intermingle.  Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve with bread and/or a green salad. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

24 Comments

  1. Kaila (GF Life 24/7)

    Yum! I love how this soup is made out of ingredients you already have in your fridge on a regular basis. It sounds delicious, perfect for a pick me up on a cool day! Happy FF, and have a marvelous weekend!

    • Jenny

      Thanks, Kaila, Happy FF to you too!

  2. Dad Whats 4 Dinner

    I love a good potato soup and this looks delicious even for breakfast. Thanks for sharing with FF and I would love if you would share with us at Throwback Thursday. Have a great weekend and Happy FF!

    • Jenny

      Thank you! I will have to check out Throwback Thursday!

  3. Jhuls

    A good bowl of soup would definitely be perfect! Happy FF! 🙂

    • Jenny

      Thank you Jhuls, and have a great Fiesta Friday and a great weekend!

  4. Life Diet Health

    It’s most definitely soup weather where we are! This looks very tasty and easy to make. Lovely photos too – thanks for sharing. Hope your husband recovers quickly.

    • Jenny

      Thank you so much for stopping by, and for the well wishes for my husband. He is recovering great so far! Hope you have a nice weekend, and make the most of soup weather! 🙂

  5. Debbie Spivey

    I love potato anything, especially soup. I like your recipe! I hope your husband continues to improve from his surgery. It is amazing how much a couple relies on each other to do certain tasks isn’t it? My husband had to take on all the chores after my recent surgery. Have a great weekend!

    • Jenny

      Thanks, Debbie! I agree about potatoes, they are good so many ways. I hope you are feeling much better after your surgery as well. Take care!

  6. Lily

    I love a nice hearty bowl of soup, especially this time of year. Great flavor combinations in your recipe. Pair it with some crusty bread and you’ve got a satisfying meal. Thanks for sharing and happy FF!

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Lily! Thank you for co-hosting Fiesta Friday this week!

  7. CakePants

    This looks wonderful! I feel like this kind of meal is good for the soul – it brings us back to simple pleasures. Speaking of simple pleasures, I know what you mean about enjoying the stars on a clear night, since taking the dog out at night is my job. It can be really beautiful!

    • Jenny

      Thank you! Yes, I am beginning to really like the job of taking the dog out at night! 🙂

  8. Sarah 'n Spice

    I love potato soups! This looks sooo good and it looks like I already have everything to make it. Love those kind of recipes 🙂

    • Jenny

      Thanks, Sarah–I love them too. 🙂

  9. lapetitepaniere

    This soup just looks so delicious and comforting. My kind of soup! 🙂

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Linda. I hope you are having a great weekend!

  10. Julie is Hostess At Heart

    This soup looks so warm and wholesome. I hope your husband gets on the mend soon. Mine had a total knee reconstruction several years ago and does very well but the rehab is a lot of work.

    • Jenny

      Thanks, Julie! I appreciate your well-wishes. He is definitely improving daily, and I agree-the physical therapy is a lot of work–but it definitely seems to be helping.

  11. Karen

    Now that looks and sounds like a comforting bowl of soup. I’m sure your husband enjoyed it, I know I would.

    • Jenny

      Thank you, Karen! Yes, my husband did enjoy it. 🙂 Too bad it’s all gone, because I would love a bowl right now, on this very cold day!

  12. Heidi

    I made this soul recently and my husband and i really liked it. I gave some to my 83 year old mom who loves to cook. She liked it too, even though she isn’t wild about cumin. Next time, I think I’ll cut the cumin by half since I plan to share it with her again.

    • Jenny

      I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed it! I am sure it will taste good with less cumin too. Take care and hope you have a good weekend!

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