Hearty Galician Potato Soup
Indulge in the warmth and richness of my family's Hearty Galician Potato Soup, a beloved recipe passed down through generations. This comforting dish brings together the simplicity of potatoes, the sweetness of carrots, and the aromatic flavors of garlic and herbs, making it a perfect choice for chilly evenings or a cozy family gathering. With optional earthy mushrooms and parsnips for added depth, this soup nourishes not only the body but also the soul, creating a taste of Eastern Europe in every spoonful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
4 large (peeled and cubed)
salt
to taste
carrots
2 (chopped)
parsnip
1 small (peeled and chopped (optional))
mushrooms
1/2 lb (chopped (optional))
fresh parsley
to taste
fresh dill
to taste
garlic clove
1 (minced (to taste))
onion
1 large (diced)
flour
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and cubing the large potatoes. Place them in a large soup pot, and add enough water to cover the potatoes, plus a few extra inches. Generously season with salt and bring the pot to a boil.
2
Once the water reaches a boil, carefully add the chopped carrots, optional parsnip, mushrooms (if using), minced garlic, fresh parsley, and fresh dill to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
3
Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender.
4
While the soup is simmering, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become golden and translucent.
5
Once the onions are ready, sprinkle the tablespoon of flour into the skillet and stir to form a roux. Gradually add a small amount of water to thin the roux, stirring until it thickens. Bring it to a boil briefly.
6
Carefully pour the roux mixture into the simmering soup, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for an additional few minutes to meld the flavors together.
7
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Galician Potato Soup?
Hearty Galician Potato Soup is a comforting Eastern European dish made with potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs, passed down through generations.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients are 4 large potatoes, 2 carrots, 1 large onion, garlic, fresh parsley, fresh dill, and flour for a roux.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and cubed before being placed in the soup pot.
Is this Galician Potato Soup vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetables, herbs, and a simple flour-based roux.
Which fresh herbs are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for fresh parsley and fresh dill to provide aromatic flavors.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer gently for approximately 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender.
Can I add extra vegetables to the soup?
Yes, the recipe suggests optional additions like 1 small parsnip and 1/2 lb of chopped mushrooms for added depth.
How do I make the roux for this soup?
Sauté diced onions in oil until golden, stir in a tablespoon of flour, and gradually add water until it thickens.
What is the purpose of adding flour?
The flour is used to create a roux which helps thicken the soup and meld the flavors together.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with dried herbs if necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with simple steps and common ingredients.
What is the origin of this soup?
This is a traditional Eastern European recipe from the Galician region.
Are the mushrooms mandatory?
No, the mushrooms are an optional ingredient used to add an earthy flavor if desired.
What does the parsnip add to the dish?
The parsnip provides a subtle sweetness and earthiness that complements the potatoes.
How many carrots should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped carrots.
Can this soup be made vegan?
The recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses oil for sautéing and no animal products.
How do I prepare the onions?
The onion should be diced and sautéed in a skillet until golden and translucent.
How much garlic is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 minced garlic clove, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
When should I add the salt?
Generously season the water when you first add the potatoes, and adjust again at the end of cooking.
How do I serve the soup?
Serve the soup hot, ideally garnished with additional fresh herbs.
How much water should I add to the pot?
Add enough water to cover the cubed potatoes plus a few extra inches.
What makes the soup 'hearty'?
The combination of large potatoes, root vegetables, and a thickening roux creates a rich and filling texture.
Can I add meat to this potato soup?
While the original recipe is vegetarian, you could add meat like smoked sausage or bacon for a different variation.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is a beloved family recipe that has been passed down through generations.
When are the herbs added to the pot?
The fresh parsley and dill are added once the water reaches a boil, along with the carrots and garlic.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The soup has a rich, slightly thickened consistency due to the tender potatoes and the roux mixture.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly, it can be frozen for later use.
What type of oil should I use for the onions?
Any neutral cooking oil or olive oil works well for sautéing the onions.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect choice for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
You can adjust the thickness by varying the amount of water used in the roux or the simmering time.