Potato Peel Soup Recipe

Potato Peel Soup is a creative and sustainable way to turn potato peels into a delicious, hearty soup. This recipe is not only budget-friendly but also full of flavor, turning what would normally be discarded into a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of potato peels, broth, garlic, and simple seasonings creates a rich, savory soup with a creamy texture that will make you think twice about throwing those peels away!

Potato Peel Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large potatoes (scrubbed well, peels saved and cleaned)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for more flavor)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (for a smoother texture)
• 1/2 cup milk or cream (optional, for a creamier soup)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh herbs (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the potato peels: Rinse the potato peels thoroughly to remove any dirt. If necessary, you can lightly scrub them with a vegetable brush. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes and potato peels to the pot. Stir to combine, and cook for a few minutes to lightly brown the edges of the potatoes.
4. Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
5. Blend the soup: Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture or leave it as is.
6. Add cream (optional): Stir in the milk or cream for extra creaminess and adjust the consistency to your liking. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
7. Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and thyme (or fresh herbs) as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf while simmering or a splash of white wine to enhance the richness of the soup.
• Spicy twist: If you enjoy heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Toppings: Top the soup with crispy croutons, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
• Make it vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip the cream or milk, substituting with a non-dairy milk like coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy consistency.

This Potato Peel Soup is a perfect example of how you can use leftovers to create something both delicious and sustainable. Enjoy this creamy, hearty soup as a light lunch or a comforting dinner!