Frugal Recipes: Baked Potato Soup

“A first rate soup is more creative than a second rate painting.”
- Abraham Maslow -

During the winter my wife and I like to try and have a soup meal once a week. Of all of the soup recipes we like this one has the most variables, and comes out different every time. I list the basic ingredients first and at the end all of the variables I might add, depending on what direction I want it to go.



Basic Ingredients

4 to 6 already baked potatoes (what kind is up to you) 
1 Onion (another personal choice)
2 stalks celery
2 carrots (sometimes I use canned carrots to cut down on cooking time)
1 can chicken broth (I freeze my own to use in recipes)
2 cups ham, bacon or smoked sausage
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can evaporated milk
1 cup mashed potato flakes
½ stick real butter

Directions

Add first seven ingredients, cover with water and boil until done. Add the milk, butter and flakes and simmer for 10 minutes.

Variable Ingredients

Parsley
Thyme
Chives
Cumin
Cayenne pepper
White pepper
Bay leaf
Garlic
Basil
Paprika
Dill weed
Worcestershire sauce
Parmesan cheese
Cheddar cheese
Diced tomatoes
Sour cream
Green chilies

I add the variables at the end with the milk, butter and flakes. What variation you use is the fun part. Get creative!

Related Reading:

Frugal Recipe: Quick and Simple Pork Roast