(This recipe has been adapted. The original recipe, by Wendy Irene, can be found at onegreenplanet.org)

Serves:  6

A few fresh herbs and time-tested spices can transform a humble potato soup into a savory, comforting bowl of goodness! Best of all, this simple soup is ready for the table in less than thirty minutes.

If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative to calorie-laden, cheesy, bacon potato soup look no further! Be sure to include a hearty 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes as they bring out the earthy flavor of this soup and will make you forget there is no bacon or cheese to be found! (This statement has been proven true from serious potato soup lovin’ taste-testers.)

TIP: When choosing herbs, be sure to look for organic when possible.  Bright colors and strong herbal aromas are clues your herbs are fresh.  For those of us who do not have access to a home garden or a farmer’s market,  a few extra minutes looking closely at and discreetly smelling your herbs while choosing them at the supermarket DO make a huge difference in the results of your recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 T olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 C fresh chives
• 3 C chicken broth (I use chicken bone broth. Highly recommended to bring a deeper level of flavor to this dish.**)
• 2 C water
• 1 T fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (be generous with the 1/2 tsp).

Preparation Steps

1. Sauté onions with a pinch of salt and pepper in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic, chives, dill, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté approximately 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped potatoes and sauté 3-4 more minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil and then turn down heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
5. Remove approximately 1 -1/2 cups of the soup and blend in blender. (Be careful as it is very hot.)
6. Add the blended soup back into the pot and season as needed.
7. Serve with chopped chives.

Refrigerate leftovers. This soup tastes great re-heated.

**Chicken Bone Broth can be found at the supermarket (usually in the health food section) and online (some popular brands are Kettle & Fire and Epic) and it can also be made at home from leftover chicken bones.  I frequently use Core Life Eatery Chicken Bone Broth.   In my opinion, bone broth is more flavorful and robust than regular chicken broth.