Have left over Mashed potatoes and you don't know what to do with them? Use them in this delicious soup. It is raining here at home today! Seems like the perfect time for some good old comfort food.
Loaded Potato Soup
4 Stalks of Celery
2 Carrots
1 Jalapeno
1 Onion
1/2 C Red Bell Pepper
4 Cloves of Garlic
1 C Ham
4 C Chicken Stock
1 C Half and Half
10 Med. Potatoes* or 6 C. Mashed Potatoes
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1 1/2 C Cheddar Cheese
1 C Sour Cream
12 oz. Bacon
1 bunch of Green Onions (for garnish)
Cut across grain on the bacon to cut into small pieces. Fry bacon until done. I have found that by cutting bacon first and then frying, it renders much more grease than if you cook it in strips and then crumble it up. I like knowing I have cooked out as much grease as I can. Drain grease and pour pieces onto paper towels to pat dry. Save 2 Tbsp. of grease to saute vegetables.
Peel carrots. Dice or shred carrots. I like to grate mine on the smallest blade so they are easy to eat in the soup. Cut celery,onion, jalapeno and bell Pepper into small pieces. I have picky eaters, so I always put mine in the Cuisinart and chop it until it is very small. Saute veggies in bacon grease. Some people like to put all their vegetables into the chicken stock and cook them that way. I think they taste better sauteed before. You choose. Sometimes it comes down to a matter of how much time you have.
Cut up garlic into small pieces add to vegetables just before they get done. You do not want to burn it. Cut up ham into small pieces as well and add to vegetables. Stir in chicken broth and half and half.
* If you do not have mashed potatoes do this step first. Peel potatoes and cut them into fourths. Put them in a pot of boiling water. After water begins to boil, reduce heat so there is a slow boil. Keep lid on. Set the timer for 20 minutes. The potatoes should be done when the buzzer rings. Use a fork to stick into potatoes. If it goes in easily, they are done. If you meet some resistance, cook for 5 minutes more and test again. Repeat until the fork goes with ease.
Put potatoes in an electric mixer with 1 8 oz. of cream cheese and 1/2 C. Butter. Mix until you get mashed potatoes. (For healthier, but not as tasty mash potatoes, omit fat and add skim milk.)
Salt and Pepper Mashed potatoes and stir into soup. Heat soup until the temperature you like. Stir in sour cream and cheese until smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer on low until ready to serve. Top with sour cream, bacon bits, cheese and green onion.
