Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 small carrot (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cloves garlic (sliced)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tbsp herbs de provence
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, if not using smoked cheddar)
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 7 oz smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar plus smoked paprika)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Olive oil (for sautéing and frying garlic)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a glug of olive oil in a large soup pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrot, cooking until they become soft and translucent.
- Add Minced Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Do not add the sliced garlic at this stage.
- Combine Potatoes and Seasonings: Mix in the herbs de provence, salt, and cubed potatoes. If using smoked paprika instead of smoked cheddar, add it now and stir well to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Add Vegetable Stock and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are very soft and beginning to break apart.
- Mash Potatoes: Use a potato masher directly in the pot to mash the potatoes slightly, adding creaminess while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Fry Garlic Slices: In a small saucepan, heat a thin layer of olive oil just enough to cover the bottom. Add the sliced garlic and fry until they turn golden brown, then remove from heat.
- Add Fried Garlic to Soup: Stir in the fried garlic slices into the soup, keeping a few aside for garnish if desired.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the smoked cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated.
- Mix in Sour Cream: Add the sour cream and stir thoroughly to achieve a creamy consistency throughout the soup.
- Rest the Soup: Cover the pot and let the soup sit off the heat for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with the reserved fried garlic slices, chopped chives, and a swirl of sour cream before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked cheddar with regular cheddar plus smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
- Frying the sliced garlic separately adds a delightful crunch and deeper garlic flavor to the soup.
- For a thinner consistency, add more vegetable stock or water as needed.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Optional garnishes such as chives or green onions enhance the presentation and add freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian