Soul-Soothing Nostalgia: Grandma's Great Depression Potato Soup Recipe
In times of hardship, simple and comforting recipes often emerge, passed down through generations. In this article, we'll explore a treasured recipe from the Great Depression era—potato soup. This basic yet delicious soup was a staple during challenging times, providing nourishment and warmth. Passed down from the author's grandmother, this recipe can be customized with various toppings to suit individual preferences. Join us as we step back in time and savor the flavors of this humble, yet soul-satisfying, potato soup.
Recipe: Great Depression Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 10 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 2 sweet yellow onions, peeled and sliced into rings
- Water (enough to cover potatoes and onions with an additional 2 inches)
- 1 stick of real butter
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: green onions, bacon, shredded cheese, hard-boiled eggs
- Serve with unsweetened cornbread
Instructions:
1. Prepare the potatoes and onions:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into 2-inch pieces. Peel the sweet yellow onions and slice them into rings, then break the rings apart.
2. Cook the potatoes and onions:
- In a 12-quart stew pot, place the chopped onions and potatoes. Cover them with water, ensuring the water level is 2 inches above the potatoes and onions. Bring the pot to a boil and let them cook until tender.
3. Add butter, cream, and seasonings:
- Once the potatoes and onions are tender, add the stick of real butter and the cup of heavy whipping cream to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
4. Customize the soup thickness:
- If you desire a thicker consistency, remove a few potatoes from the pot and mash them using a fork or potato masher. Add the mashed potatoes back into the pot and stir. Repeat this process until the soup reaches your desired thickness.
5. Serve with optional toppings:
- To enhance the flavors and textures, consider serving the soup with optional toppings on the side. Suggestions include chopped green onions, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and sliced hard-boiled eggs. Allow each person to customize their soup by adding their preferred toppings.
6. Pair with unsweetened cornbread:
- For a classic and complementary accompaniment, serve the potato soup with unsweetened cornbread. The hearty cornbread will add a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
Grandma's Great Depression potato soup recipe offers a taste of history and a reminder of the resilience and creativity of earlier generations. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this humble soup provides warmth and comfort, transporting us to a time when resourcefulness was paramount. Customize the soup by adding your favorite toppings and enjoy it with a side of unsweetened cornbread for a satisfying meal. Remember, it's not just a soup—it's a connection to the past and a reminder of the strength found in simplicity.
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