Genius kitchen hack: turn mashed potatoes into a warm and comforting soup

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will elevate your mashed potatoes to a new level of deliciousness? In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets of transforming your leftover mashed potatoes into a delectable potato soup that will tantalize your taste buds. So, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this culinary journey!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables

• Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrots.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the chopped vegetables and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Flour

• Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Add the Broth

• Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth until smooth.

5. Add the Mashed Potatoes

• Stir in the leftover mashed potatoes until well combined.

6. Season the Soup

• Add the thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

7. Simmer

• Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.

8. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.

Variations:

• Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon: Add 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon to the soup.
• Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
• Spicy Potato Soup: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Roasted Garlic Potato Soup: Roast 1 head of garlic and add it to the soup for a rich flavor.

Tips:

• For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup.
• If the soup is too thick, add more broth.
• If the soup is too thin, simmer for a longer period or add more flour.
• Leftover potato soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Culinary Conclusion: The Magic of Transformation

With just a few simple steps, you have transformed your leftover mashed potatoes into an extraordinary potato soup that will delight your palate. This versatile dish can be customized to your liking, making it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. So, next time you find yourself with leftover mashed potatoes, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and experience the magic of culinary alchemy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes, but the texture will be slightly different from using homemade mashed potatoes.

Q: Can I freeze potato soup?
A: Yes, potato soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.

Q: How can I make the soup gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.