Craving a comforting bowl of pure culinary bliss? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet haven with our mouthwatering Mashed Potato Thyme Soup! This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a creamy, aromatic journey that will transport your taste buds to comfort food paradise. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-warming dish that combines the rustic charm of potatoes with the delicate, herbaceous notes of fresh thyme. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover completely with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance flavor during boiling.
- Bring the potatoes to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While potatoes are cooking, strip the fresh thyme leaves from their stems and set aside. Chop the leaves finely to release their aromatic oils.
- Once potatoes are fully cooked, drain them in a colander, allowing them to steam dry for a minute to remove excess moisture.
- Return the potatoes to the pot and add butter. Mash the potatoes thoroughly using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir, creating a rich and velvety texture.
- Fold in the chopped thyme leaves, distributing them evenly throughout the soup.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- If the soup is too thick, thin it with a little additional cream or warm water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve hot, garnished with a small sprig of fresh thyme and an extra crack of black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Temperature matters: Start with cold water when boiling potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overwork the potatoes: Mash gently to avoid a gluey consistency.
- Fresh thyme is key: The herb's essential oils provide maximum flavor, so strip leaves just before adding.
- Adjust consistency carefully: Add cream or warm water gradually to achieve your perfect soup texture.
- Optional garnish: Consider topping with crispy bacon bits, chives, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra complexity.
- Make ahead tip: This soup can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently, with a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
