potato soup

Wonderfully dressed baked potatoes are high on many people’s list of favorite foods, and our lists are no exception. This unique take on the baked potato brings the flavors of a fully dressed favorite spud in the form of a soup, one that is quite easy to make and can be served as either a starter or an entrée, depending on portion size. It also allows room for personalization. You can garnish the soup with any or all of your favorite potato toppings to create a soup as special as you are.

SERVES 6 TO 8

INGREDIENTS

3 to 4 baking potatoes, peeled and chunked into similar-size pieces

10 slices bacon, diced

6 cups chicken stock

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced yellow onion

¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (we’ve used Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Mix)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Chives, sour cream, and grated cheddar, for garnish

STEPS

image In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the potatoes until tender, about 13 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

image Fry the bacon in a medium-size (6-quart) stockpot over medium heat. When it is crispy, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.

image While the bacon is cooking, blend about three-quarters of the potatoes with 1 cup of the chicken stock in a blender. Set the blended mixture aside and reserve the remaining potatoes for use later.

image Add the celery and onion to the bacon grease in the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes.

image Add the flour blend, salt, and pepper to the vegetables in the pot to make a roux. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure to blend the flour with the other ingredients.

image Gradually add the remaining 5 cups chicken stock, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.

image Once thickening begins to occur, add the blended potato mixture along with the reserved diced potatoes. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.

image Take off the heat and re-season as desired. Serve garnished with the reserved bacon, crumbled; chives; cheddar; and sour cream. Or add whatever your preferred toppings are and enjoy!