This is one of my favorite cold-weather recipes, for when you just want some tasty comfort food that’s filling and cheap.

Since I have an abundance of potatoes in my pantry and it’s trying HARD to be spring, yet still not quite all melted up here in Minnesota, I decided I’d make it again this weekend.

Here is the recipe, for those just dying to try it!

2 lbs potatoes, cubed (about 4-6 taters, medium sized)
3 slices bacon
1 onion, chopped
2 small shallots, diced finely
2 tsp garlic, minced
3 tbs flour
3 cups water
1 tsp  chicken bullion granules (or 1 cube)
1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of onion, celery, mushroom, etc.)
1 can milk or half & half
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (I like sharp, but mild also works)
1 dash paprika
1 bunch parsley
1 palmful fresh tarragon leaves - chopped finely
OR 1 tsp dried tarragon leaves, crushed in your hand

Peel, cut and rinse potatoes.  In a large pot, place the cubed potatoes and cover with water.  Bring to a boil, and cook until potatoes are fork-tender.  If you like your potatoes firmer, cook them for less time.  Drain potatoes into a bowl and set aside, reserving 3 cups of the water from cooking.

In the pot, fry 3 slices of bacon, then remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.  Add diced onion and shallot and saute until soft.  Add garlic and heat until golden.  Remove vegetables and set aside, keeping heat on pot.  Add 1 TB butter or oil to pan/pot, and then add flour, stirring constantly until you make a paste (rioux).

Gradually whisk in the reserved water and the bullion, and bring to a full boil.  Turn down heat, add can of soup, then fill empty soup can with milk (or half & half) and add to pot, return potatoes, bacon and veggies to pot, adding the paprika.  Cover and simmer for 15-25 minutes, until flavors have blended and soup base is thickened a bit.

Serve, garnishing with cheese and herbs (if using fresh, otherwise add dried ones prior to simmering).

Makes 6 servings

Copyright © Bobbi Jo Woods - published March 13, 2009 at http://www.webprospeak.com

About the author:
Bobbi Jo is the owner of B. Woods Design, a St. Paul Web Design company - http://bwoodsdesign.com