Amish Snow Day Soup: A Creamy Comfort Classic

This Amish Snow Day Soup is the perfect antidote to a chilly winter day. It’s a creamy, comforting, and flavorful soup packed with corn, potatoes, and bacon, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Imagine the aroma of this hearty soup filling your kitchen on a snowy afternoon. The sweetness of the corn, the earthiness of the potatoes, and the smoky flavor of the bacon combine to create a symphony of tastes that will warm you from the inside out. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a reminder of cozy days spent indoors with loved ones. It’s simple to make, requires minimal effort, and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1+1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, combine corn, onion, potatoes, broth, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours, creating a rich and complex taste. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
2. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Cooking on low ensures that the potatoes become perfectly tender without becoming mushy. The long cooking time also allows the corn to release its sweetness and the onion to soften and sweeten.
3. Make the Roux: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces and soups. Cooking the flour in the butter before adding the liquid prevents lumps from forming.
4. Add Cream: Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth. Cook until thickened. Whisking the cream in gradually prevents it from curdling. Continue cooking until the cream sauce is thickened and velvety smooth.
5. Combine with Soup: Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker, mixing well. This adds richness and creaminess to the soup. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
6. Add Bacon: Add crumbled bacon and stir to combine. The bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn and the earthiness of the potatoes. Adding the bacon towards the end of cooking ensures that it stays crispy.
7. Thicken and Serve: Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken. This final cooking period allows the soup to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together even further.
8. Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. The fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen corn?

A: Yes, you can use frozen corn. There is no need to thaw it before adding it to the slow cooker.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?

A: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

A: Milk will work, but the soup will not be as creamy. Heavy cream adds richness and thickness to the soup.

Q: How do I store leftover soup?

A: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: How do I reheat the soup?

A: Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Q: Can I add cheese to this soup?

A: Yes, you can add shredded cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack to this soup. Add the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I use different seasonings?

A: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, or chili powder.

Q: Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Combine all the ingredients except the cream and bacon in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Then follow the remaining steps in the recipe.

Conclusion:

This Amish Snow Day Soup is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and is sure to please the whole family. The creamy texture, the sweet corn, the savory bacon, and the earthy potatoes combine to create a truly delicious and satisfying soup. This soup is a reminder of warm kitchens, cozy fires, and the simple pleasures of life. So, when the snow is falling and the wind is howling, curl up with a bowl of this delicious soup and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings.

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