Nourishing Potato Onion Soup

A warm, comforting Nourishing Potato Onion Soup made with tender onions and creamy potatoes in a flavorful broth—perfect for cozy nights or a soothing starter. Full-bodied and hearty, it’s both simple and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a bowl – silky potatoes and sweet onions offer soothing warmth

• Simple pantry staples – made with basic ingredients you likely have on hand

• Rich flavor without cream – savory broth and natural starch from potatoes provide creaminess

• Flexible & nourishing – easily adapted with herbs, vegetables, or protein

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about ¾ inch pieces)

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme)

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives; shredded cheese; a drizzle of cream or olive oil

directions

1. Sauté the onions
   Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden (about 8–10 minutes).

2. Add garlic & potatoes
   Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced potatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes, coating them in the oil and onions.

3. Simmer with broth
   Pour in broth, then add thyme and bay leaf. Increase heat to bring the soup to a simmer, then lower to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

4. Blend (optional)
   Remove the bay leaf. For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to partially or fully purée the soup. Leave some potato chunks for texture if preferred.

5. Season & serve
   Taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired—parsley, cheese, or a swirl of cream add richness and color.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25–30 minutes

• Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy potato: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Gruyère just before serving

• Herb upgrade: Use rosemary or sage in place of thyme for an earthy note

• Veggie boost: Add 1 cup diced carrot, celery, or leek with the potatoes

• Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk before serving

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or top with diced jalapeño

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low, stirring occasionally. For microwave reheating, stir halfway through for even warming

FAQs

Can I use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes?

Yes—both work well. Yukon Golds give a creamier texture, while russets yield a fluffier mash when blended.

Do I need to blend the soup?

No—you can leave it chunky for more texture or blend partially for smoothness.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes—use a gluten-free broth to ensure it’s entirely gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—use olive oil instead of butter and omit or replace cheese/cream with non-dairy alternatives.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes—sauté onions on sauté mode, then cook all ingredients under high pressure for 8 minutes (Instant Pot) or on low for 4–6 hours (slow cooker).

How do I prevent the soup from being too thin?

Blending some potatoes helps thicken. Alternatively, simmer uncovered to reduce excess liquid.

Can I freeze leftover soup with cream or cheese?

It’s best to add dairy after reheating—freeze plain soup, then stir in cream or cheese when serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just use a larger pot and double ingredients; cook time remains the same.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely—make ahead, portion into containers, and reheat for easy lunches or cozy dinners.

Conclusion

Nourishing Potato Onion Soup is a warm, comforting staple that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying. With humble ingredients and endless adaptability, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a household favorite—perfect for cozy evenings or whenever you need a soothing bowl of goodness.

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