Potato onion soup

Potato onion soup

35 min
On a cool evening, a bowl of potato onion soup offers warmth and comfort. This recipe combines the earthy taste of potatoes with the sweet flavour of caramelised onions. Cooking cream and vegetable broth provide a smooth, creamy texture, while a splash of lemon adds a refreshing edge. Topped with crunchy smoked almonds and fresh parsley, this soup is delicious and playful.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/potato-onion-soup/

Instructions

Potato onion soup
  • Melt butter in a large pan over high heat but without browning.
  • Add potatoes, onion, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables while stirring for approximately 1 minute.
  • Add broth and bring the soup to a boil. Cook it over low heat with a lid for approximately 15–​​20 minutes until the potatoes are very tender.
  • Blend it evenly, for example, with an immersion blender.
  • Add cooking cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture thoroughly and season to taste.
Crispy topping
  • Mix almonds, parsley, and lemon zest.
  • Serve the soup with the crispy topping and wholemeal bread.
Enjoy!
Choosing the right potatoes 

For a velvety, creamy consistency, opt for floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward, as they have a high starch content and break down easily when cooked, resulting in a smooth texture. If you prefer a more substantial, chunky texture, consider using waxy potatoes such as Charlotte or Jersey Royals. Their lower starch content allows them to hold their shape well when heated. Additionally, Russet potatoes are a reliable choice for this recipe.

Thin out overly thick soup

If your potato onion soup is too thick after blending, you can easily fix it. Gradually add hot vegetable broth or water, stirring each time, until it is just right. After thinning it, let it simmer briefly and season to taste.

Make smoked almonds

You can make your own smoked almonds for the topping by preheating the oven to 180 °C. Take a baking sheet and spread raw almonds in a single layer. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to help the seasoning adhere better. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and toss everything together so that the almonds are evenly coated. Roast them in the oven for about 10–15 minutes. Stir the almonds halfway through to ensure they roast evenly on all sides. Once they turn a golden colour and give off a rich, nutty aroma, you can remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.

FAQ: Questions about potato onion soup

If you have any questions or need clarification about the potato onion soup, you can find the answers to commonly asked questions below.

How should I store and reheat leftover potato onion soup?
Store the potato onion soup in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 5 days. Reheat it over medium-low heat and stir it every so often to ensure it heats evenly. If the soup has thickened during storage, gradually add a little broth or water, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to bring it to a rapid boil, as this may cause the ingredients to break down or affect the texture. Once heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Can I freeze the potato onion soup?
Yes, you can freeze potato onion soup. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove. Be mindful that the texture of the cooking cream may change slightly upon reheating, but blending it again should help restore its smooth consistency.
What is a good thickener for potato onion soup?
Potatoes naturally help thicken the soup as the starch in them breaks down during cooking. However, if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can make a slurry by mixing water with cornstarch or flour. Stir the thickener into the broth while simmering, and continue to do so until you reach the desired consistency.

Ingredients

Potato onion soup
Butter
20 g
Peeled potatoes, in small pieces
500 g
Chopped onions, coarsely (approximately 375 g)
5
Small garlic cloves, chopped
3
Vegetable broth
750 ml
Cooking cream
250 ml
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tsp
Coarse salt
1½ tsp
Freshly ground pepper
Crispy topping
Smoked almonds, coarsely chopped
75 g
Broad-leaf parsley, chopped
200 ml
Lemon zest, finely grated (unsprayed)
1 tbsp
To serve
Wholemeal bread
300 g

Lovely homemade potato onion soup

There is nothing like the soothing warmth of a homemade potato onion soup to lift your spirits. The smooth blend of potatoes and onions creates a creamy consistency that comforts with every sip. This recipe is a heart-warming meal, made to be enjoyed on a quiet evening or shared with family around the dinner table. As you prepare the dish, the bubbling soup fills the kitchen with familiar, warm aromas.

Smooth and creamy with a whisper of lemon

It is hard to resist the embrace of a smooth and creamy soup. And it is all thanks to the combination of vegetable broth and cooking cream. Together, they pump up the texture while giving it deep, rich flavours. To balance the rich taste, a hint of zesty lemon is delicately squeezed in, imparting a subtle brightness that beautifully complements the decadent creaminess.

Subtle sweetness from caramelised onions

Opposite the earthy potatoes, you will find the delicate, sweet nuances of the caramelised onions. These onions have been lovingly sautéed in butter alongside the potatoes and garlic, laying the foundation for a rich and aromatic dish right from the beginning. As the onions sizzle in the pan, they release their natural sugars, infusing the entire soup with a gently caramelised sweetness.

A crispy topping made from almonds, parsley, and lemon zest

Our recipe for potato onion soup distinguishes itself with its irresistible crispy topping. Smoked almonds join forces with fresh parsley and finely grated lemon zest, adding a crunchy finish with herby, zesty, fragrant notes. It gives the soup that little extra that makes you want to dive right into it. And further, it adds a lovely contrast to the creamy consistency of the soup.

A heart-warming classic for the whole family

This potato onion soup is a timeless classic, perfect for bringing everyone together at the dinner table. The smooth, creamy texture and comforting taste appeal to all ages. It is an ideal choice for a relaxing family dinner, offering a taste of home with every spoonful. Enjoy the warmth and simplicity of this classic dish that is sure to please the whole family.

If you and your family love classic soups, we have got you covered. You can always go with a simple potato soup, but if you want to impress and delight with something a bit different, try our recipes for Thai tom yum soup, tantanmen ramen, or an Indian mulligatawny soup.

Feel free to adjust the recipe

To give your potato onion soup a personal twist, try adding different vegetables like celery and carrots. Carrots bring a natural sweetness, while celery adds a mild, savoury flavour and a fresh, slightly bitter note.

Try adding different herbs like fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Thyme provides an earthy, lemony note that pairs well with the potatoes, while rosemary introduces a fragrant, woodsy taste that enriches the overall flavour. Bay leaves offer a subtle bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the onions. Play around with the herbs and find out what suits you.