Aunt Lulabell’s Potato Soup ๐ฅ๐ฒ
Aunt Lulabell’s Potato Soup is a classic comfort food recipe that has been passed down through generations, originating from the heart of the American South. This creamy and hearty soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day and is a beloved staple in many Southern households.
History: The exact origins of Aunt Lulabell’s Potato Soup are a bit hazy, but it’s a cherished family recipe that likely has its roots in Southern cuisine. Passed down from generation to generation, this soup has become a beloved tradition, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
Components:
- Potatoes: The star ingredient, usually russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, are peeled and diced into small cubes.
- Onions: Chopped onions add a delightful savory flavor to the soup.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits provide a smoky and salty touch.
- Heavy Cream: For that rich and creamy texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and enhances the flavor.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The liquid base for the soup.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes a pinch of paprika for seasoning.
- Chives or green onions: For garnish.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onions, and prepare the bacon bits.
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Cook Bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove it and set it aside. Leave some bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.
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Sautรฉ Onions: In the same pot with the bacon grease, sautรฉ the chopped onions until they’re soft and translucent.
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Add Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them into the onions. Cook for a few minutes.
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Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth to cover the potatoes. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired level of smoothness. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a traditional blender in batches and blend until smooth.
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Add Cream: Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and butter. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
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Simmer: Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives or green onions.
Total Time: Aunt Lulabell’s Potato Soup usually takes around 45-60 minutes to prepare, from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.
Enjoy this delightful and heartwarming soup, perfect for cozy family gatherings or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐
Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Lulabell’s Potato Soup:
Nutrition Facts for Aunt Lulabell’s Potato Soup (per serving, about 1 cup):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 6-8g
- Cholesterol: 30-40mg
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugars: 2-3g
- Protein: 5-7g
Health Information:
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Caloric Content: Aunt Lulabell’s Potato Soup is relatively high in calories due to the presence of heavy cream, butter, and bacon. It can be a hearty meal, so portion control is important if you’re watching your calorie intake.
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Fat Content: The soup contains a significant amount of fat, with saturated fat primarily coming from the cream, butter, and bacon. While these ingredients contribute to its creamy and flavorful texture, it’s advisable to consume such soups in moderation, especially if you’re concerned about your saturated fat intake.
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Cholesterol: The soup contains cholesterol due to the use of heavy cream and bacon. If you have high cholesterol, you may want to limit your intake of this dish.
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Sodium: The sodium content in this soup can be relatively high, mainly from the added salt, broth, and bacon. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s important to be mindful of your salt consumption.
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Carbohydrates and Fiber: Potatoes in the soup provide carbohydrates and some dietary fiber. While this is a source of energy, it’s advisable to balance your carbohydrate intake with other nutrient-rich foods.
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Protein: The soup contains a moderate amount of protein, which can be important for muscle maintenance and overall health.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The soup is a source of essential nutrients, including vitamins like vitamin C (from potatoes and onions) and minerals like potassium (from potatoes).
Remember that the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific recipe and serving size. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, it’s a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance on incorporating Aunt Lulabell’s Potato Soup into your diet.