Loaded Chunky Potato Soup – $10.00 (or less) Meal

Loaded Chunky Potato Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4 for approx. $5.50

This is so delicious and inexpensive. It’s quick, easy to prepare and tastes wonderful! I have actually served this when company comes for dinner-it’s that good! And depending on what you “top” it with, there’s not a lot of calories-no heavy cream or butter (but it tastes rich). Serve a wedge salad and some crusty multi-grain bread to round out the meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet or Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups celery, chopped (include the leaves)
• 2 cups white or yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 to 2 cups milk (I used 1 1/2 cups of 2%)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onion
• Crumbled bacon

Directions

Wash potatoes, peel and cube. Put potatoes, celery and onion in saucepan. Add chicken broth. (Sometimes I add a little water, you want the vegetables mostly covered but not totally). Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer for about 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Using a potato masher (I bought mine at the $ store), coarsely crush the potatoes but don’t mash-you want chunks. Add enough milk to thin to your desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper. 

Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced green onion and crumbled bacon.

For some added fun and flavor you can add a cheese crisp.

PAUL PIC of soup with cheese crisp

 

* To make cheese crisp – Heat oven to 375. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoons of cheese on baking sheet and lightly tap down. Bake for about 4 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges turn golden brown. Blot with paper towel.

 

 *Potatoes are more nutritious than you might think. A medium potato has about 160 calories, 4 grams of fiber (with the skin)4 grams of protein, zero fat, double the potassium of a banana and a good supply of vitamin C…they are also inexpensive, easily available, filling and easy to cook.