It's been a tough few months. Life threw a curveball, and it felt like everything came to a standstill. I found myself in a place where even the simplest things, like eating, became a challenge. You might know me as someone who lives and breathes food, but suddenly, it felt like an alien concept.
It wasn't just about not being hungry. Food felt offensive, as if it was mocking my grief. My heart was so heavy, it crowded out any space for something as ordinary as a meal. I'd sit with food in front of me, just staring at it, unable to take even a single bite.
Then, something shifted. It started with the kindness of friends, our community, and our family. They brought us food, nourishing meals that became an anchor during an incredibly difficult time. Sometimes they were old favorites and sometimes they were new creations, each one a reminder of care and love. It was through their support, through these acts of love, I rediscovered the simple act of eating.
One of those meals that stood out was a creamy potato soup. Simple, basic, but deeply comforting. It was a hug in a bowl, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there can be solace in small things.
That's where the idea for the series 'Feeding a Broken Heart' was born. A collection of recipes, not as complicated culinary masterpieces, but as gentle reminders of compassion, care and community. These recipes are all about nourishment: not just for the body, but for the soul. They are about those moments when food transcends its basic purpose and transforms into something greater.
And it comes with a challenge: to make an extra effort to feed the broken hearted people in our lives.
Join Our Mini-Movement:
- Think of someone who is in need of some love and compassion.
- Make them one of these extra-comforting recipes. Or just anything that shows that you care.
- Share your awesome love-sharing using #feedingabrokenheart on social media.
The Comfort of Creamy Potato Soup:
This particular potato soup is the definition of comfort. It's not fancy; it's not complicated. It’s just the basics: potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and bits of bacon in a silky, homemade base. It’s not about bold flavors or exotic ingredients. It's about simplicity and the kind of nourishment that can bring you back to yourself, even for a little while. It’s a reminder that it’s ok to be basic, it’s ok to just exist.
Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups mirepoix (celery, carrots, and onions, all minced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite seasoning (such as chicken seasoning mix)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1-2 cups chicken broth
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
- Bacon Prep: Bake the bacon at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until crispy. Crumble or cut into pieces.
- Soup Base: Melt butter in a large pot. Add the mirepoix, garlic, salt, and seasoning and sauté until tender. Add flour and stir for a few minutes to cook off any floury taste. Gradually add milk, stirring after each addition until the soup is smooth. Add potatoes and enough chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Simmer Time: Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes. Allow the potatoes to get almost melty, with their edges softened just a bit, before removing from heat. Stir in the cooked bacon and serve.
This soup is more than just a recipe, it's an invitation to connect, to comfort, and to nourish, not just our bodies, but our souls. It's about recognizing that we are all in this together, and that even in the midst of our pain, we can find and offer a small measure of comfort.