Hearty Austrian Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced (about 600g) 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced (about 600g)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 4 slices of smoky bacon, chopped 4 slices of smoky bacon, chopped
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot, followed by the dried thyme and marjoram. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the herbs.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Hearty Austrian Potato Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Bacon — Opt for smoky bacon to add a distinct flavor to the soup. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives.
• Heavy cream — For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, keep in mind that it will alter the richness of the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For added depth of flavor, you can sauté the onions and bacon until they are caramelized before adding the potatoes and carrots.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can mash the potatoes and carrots with a fork instead of pureeing them.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or pretzels for a complete Austrian dining experience.
• To make the soup more filling, you can add cooked diced ham or sausage.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Hearty Austrian Potato Soup in warm bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or a pretzel for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of cream on top of the soup and sprinkle some crispy bacon bits. Serve it in traditional Austrian soup bowls or rustic ceramic bowls for an authentic touch.