(Delicious) Old Fashioned Potato Soup

(Delicious) Old Fashioned Potato Soup

Adapted from The Clueless Vegetarian, by Evelyn Raab

2 tbsp. butter or oil

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 medium onions and 2 stalks celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups vegetable stock (if you aren't going to make it from scratch, I recommend better than bullion)

1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or otherwise)

Chopped chives or paprika for garnish

1. Heat the butter or oil in a large saucepan; saute all vegetables until onions are softened, about 8 minutes

2. Add stock, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered till the potatoes have soaked up the flavor and are practically falling apart--about 20-25 minutes.

3. The original recipe suggests adding the milk and then doing some combination of mashing, blending, and processing till the desired level of smoothness is reached; I think it tastes good as is (convenient if you're feeding vegans, or short of milk due to the occupation), or perhaps with only half of it blended smooth. I leave this to your own preference.

4. Garnish as desired, and serve. Makes 4-5 very inexpensive and comforting servings.