Makeover Baked Potato Soup
Ingredients:
3 medium potatoes
5 bacon strips, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
2 cups milk
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions (white portion only)
Additional parsley, cheese, green onions and crumbled cooked bacon, for garnish
Directions
- Scrub and pierce potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 8-12 minutes or until tender, turning once.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels.
- In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Stir in 1/4 cup flour; cook and stir for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Gradually stir in broth. Add the parsley, garlic, basil, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Bring to boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
- In a small bowl, whisk the remaining flour with milk until smooth; add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Peel and cube potatoes; add to soup. Add bacon. Cook and stir until heated through. Add cheese and green onions; stir just until cheese is melted. Garnish with additional parsley, cheese, green onions and bacon if desired. Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).