Creamy Potato Soup with Sage

Creamy potato soup with sage is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the earthy richness of potatoes with the aromatic touch of fresh sage. The velvety texture of the soup is perfect for cool days or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. This soup is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, dinner, or a first course for a special meal, this potato and sage soup is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For this creamy potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes: 4 large (peeled and diced)
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth: 4 cups
• Fresh sage leaves: 6-8 leaves, chopped
• Heavy cream (or plant-based cream for a vegan version): ½ cup
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Butter (optional): 1 tablespoon (for extra richness)
• Fresh sage leaves for garnish: 2-3 leaves, whole or chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

1. Peel and dice the potatoes: Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into evenly sized cubes for even cooking. Set them aside for later use.
2. Chop the onions and garlic: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic to build the base of the soup.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Adding the Potatoes and Broth

1. Add the potatoes: Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to coat them in the oil and aromatics.
2. Add the broth and sage: Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged. Stir in the chopped sage leaves for their aromatic flavor.
3. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blending the Soup

1. Blend the soup: Once the potatoes are cooked through, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
2. Stir in the cream: After blending, return the soup to the pot (if using a regular blender) and stir in the cream for a rich, silky texture. If you prefer a thicker soup, add less cream or more for a creamier consistency.
3. Season the soup: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. For an extra layer of flavor, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at this point.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish the soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh sage leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can use whole leaves or chop them finely, depending on your preference.
2. Serve warm: Serve the creamy potato soup warm, with a drizzle of olive oil or extra cream for an elegant touch.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Potato Soup:

• Blend carefully: For a perfectly smooth texture, make sure to blend the soup thoroughly. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only part of the soup and leave some potato chunks intact.
• Use fresh sage: Fresh sage provides the best flavor for this recipe. Dried sage can be used if fresh is unavailable, but adjust the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Creamy vs. Dairy-Free: If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, almond cream, or any plant-based alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of potatoes and cream creates a luscious, smooth soup that’s both satisfying and comforting.
• Earthy and Aromatic: Fresh sage adds a fragrant, earthy flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, this soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal.

Variations and Additions:

• Add Vegetables: For added texture and flavor, stir in cooked spinach, leeks, or carrots before blending.
• Add Protein: You can add cooked chickpeas or beans for extra protein, or even serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or grilled vegetables.
• Herb Variations: If sage isn’t your preferred herb, you can substitute it with thyme, rosemary, or even fresh chives for a different herbal flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Main Course: Serve this creamy potato soup with a simple side of bread, like baguette or ciabatta, for dipping. You can also pair it with a light green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• As a Starter: This soup makes a perfect starter for a larger meal, setting a comforting and flavorful tone for the dishes to follow.
• For Gatherings: This creamy potato soup is also great for dinner parties or family gatherings, as it can easily be made in large batches and served with a variety of garnishes.

Storage and Leftovers:

• Storing: Leftover potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may develop further over time, making it even more delicious.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin it out as it may thicken when chilled.

Final Thoughts:

This creamy potato soup with sage is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors with a smooth texture that’s sure to please. The aromatic sage adds an earthy note that elevates the dish, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or a first course, this soup is easy to make and deeply satisfying. Enjoy!