A recent recipe making waves combines the feeling of both novelty and familiarity. The team at Lodge Cast Iron shared a beloved potato soup recipe on their Instagram feed, which quickly gained attention online for its simplicity and unexpected ingredient shortcut. This recipe, credited to cookbook author Anne Byrn in her 2003 book “The Dinner Doctor,” offers a time-saving solution for busy home cooks. Many of Byrn’s shortcut recipes became essential for working parents, and this soup is a prime example.
As a working parent myself, I was intrigued by this recipe and decided to give it a try. The resurgence of this soup stands out in an era where viral recipes often prioritize novelty over practicality. It serves as a reminder that some of the best quick recipes and kitchen hacks were written long before social media made them famous.
What sets this potato soup apart is its secret ingredient: a bag of frozen tater tots. Instead of peeling, chopping, and cooking potatoes or thickening the soup with flour or cream, this recipe lets the tots break down naturally as they simmer, resulting in a creamy, hearty texture reminiscent of a traditional potato chowder. The tater tots naturally thicken the soup as they contain extra potato starch, releasing into the broth as they cook.
The ingredient list is short, including frozen tater tots, bacon, onion or shallot, chicken broth, whole milk, frozen or canned corn, and shredded cheese for garnish. The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it stand out, with everything happening in one pot, making it an appealing option for busy nights.
To make the soup, start by cooking the bacon until crispy, sauté the onion or shallot in the bacon grease, add the frozen tater tots, chicken broth, and corn. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until the tots soften completely. Top with reserved bacon and shredded cheese before serving.
The flexibility of the soup allows for adjustments in texture and ingredients. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Additional vegetables like celery or carrots can be added for extra flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and reheated with a splash of milk or broth if too thick.
Overall, this potato soup recipe delivers a rich and creamy texture without feeling heavy. Its simple preparation and hearty flavor make it a perfect addition to any dinner rotation. The resurgence of this recipe highlights the timeless appeal of practical and delicious dishes.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.