Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 200 g onion, finely chopped
• 100 g carrots, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 400 g potatoes, diced
• 1.7 liters chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Croutons:

• 100 g bread, cubed
• Butter, for frying

For the Creamy Finish:

• 100 g melted cream cheese

Steps on How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before starting, ensure all ingredients are washed, peeled, and chopped. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onions: Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions.
3. Sauté: Fry the onions for about 2 minutes, or until they become translucent and fragrant. This step helps build a flavorful base for the soup.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Garlic

1. Add carrots: Next, add the diced carrots to the pot and stir well.
2. Cook with garlic: After 2 minutes, add the minced garlic. Stir the mixture, allowing the garlic to sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 4: Incorporate Potatoes

1. Add potatoes: Now, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the vegetables.
2. Season: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of Herbes de Provence. Mix well to coat the potatoes and vegetables with the seasoning.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

1. Add chicken broth: Slowly pour in 1.7 liters of chicken broth, ensuring that all the vegetables are submerged.
2. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
3. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Prepare the Croutons

1. Heat butter: In a separate pan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Add bread: Once melted, add the cubed bread to the pan.
3. Fry until golden: Toss the bread cubes in the melted butter and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Step 7: Blend the Soup

1. Blend the soup: Once the vegetables are tender, turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.
2. Add cream cheese: Once blended, stir in 100 g of melted cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.

Step 8: Final Touches

1. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous handful of crispy croutons.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg

(Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. The flavor will still be rich and comforting.

2. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables such as celery, peas, or corn to enhance the nutritional value and texture of the soup.

3. What type of bread is best for croutons?

You can use any bread for croutons, but sourdough or French bread adds great texture and flavor. Stale bread works wonderfully too.

4. How can I store leftover soup?

Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

5. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Tips for Making the Perfect Soup

• Fresh Herbs: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves during the cooking process. Remove them before blending.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Blending: If you prefer a chunky texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest for added texture.

Storage Tips

• Freezing: This soup freezes well. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
• Croutons: Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. They can be enjoyed as a snack!

Conclusion

This Hearty Chicken Broth Soup with Cream Cheese is the perfect dish for cozy nights in or busy weekday meals. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a great way to warm up while nourishing your body. Enjoy it on its own or paired with your favorite bread for a complete meal.

So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a comforting soup ready to enjoy any time. Happy cooking!