A luxurious potato soup, finished with crispy croutons, fresh green onions, and a swirl of cream, transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. This recipe draws from traditional techniques while incorporating subtle modern touches.

Core Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 parmesan rind
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and white pepper

For Garnish:

• Rustic bread cubes
• Olive oil, garlic powder
• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Extra cream for serving

Method

Base Development

Melt butter in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and celery, cooking until soft and translucent (12 minutes). Add garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant. The slow cooking creates essential flavor foundations.

Soup Building

Add potatoes, coat with butter mixture. Pour in stock, add parmesan rind. Simmer until potatoes are tender (20-25 minutes). The rind slowly melts, enriching the broth.

Crouton Creation

Tear bread into rough chunks. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt. Bake at 375°F until golden (12-15 minutes). Irregular shapes create varied textures.

Final Steps

Remove rind. Blend 3/4 of soup, leaving some potato chunks. Stir in cream, season with salt and white pepper. The partial blending ensures both smoothness and texture.

Serving

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top with croutons, green onions, cream swirl. Use spoon back to create pattern in cream if desired.

Expert Tips

• Choose Yukon Golds for optimal texture
• Warm cream before adding
• Make extra croutons
• For leftovers, thin with stock

Variations

• Add bacon for smokiness
• Incorporate sharp cheddar
• Use vegetable stock for vegetarian version
• Add roasted garlic
• Include fresh herbs

The soup improves overnight as flavors deepen. Perfect for cold evenings or gatherings, it combines smooth creaminess with satisfying textures from the garnishes. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking.