Making soup or stew is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and meat. But what type of potato should you use? There are many different types of potatoes, and each one has its own unique properties that make it perfect for a particular dish.
In this blog post, we will discuss the 9 best potatoes for soup and stews. We will also give you tips on how to choose the right potato for your recipe. Let’s get started!
Related: 27 Popular Types of Potatoes: Varieties, Uses
Table of Contents
Best Potato for Soups and Stews
When it comes to making a hearty and filling soup or stew, there are few ingredients more essential than potatoes. But with all of the different varieties of potatoes out there, it can be hard to know which type is best suited for your dish.
Here are nine of the best potatoes for soup and stews, along with what makes each of them special.
Best Potato for Creamy Soups
If you’re looking for a potato that will create a creamy and rich soup, then you’ll want to try using Yukon Golds. Their high starch content makes them perfect for thickening soups and stews, while their delicate flavor ensures that your dish won’t be overpowered.
Russet potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best type of potato for soup and stews. They are high in starch and have a mealy texture, which makes them perfect for thickening soups and stews. Additionally, their skin is thicker than other potato varieties, so they can hold up well in cooking.
White potatoes
White potatoes are also a good choice for soup and stews. They have a creamy texture and are lower in starch than Russet potatoes, which makes them ideal for lighter soups and stews.
Yellow potatoes
Yellow potatoes are a good option for soup and stews because they are high in antioxidants and have a slightly sweet flavor.
Yukon Gold potatoes
Yukon gold potatoes are also a good choice for soup and stew recipes. They have a creamy texture and buttery flavor that make them ideal for creamy soups and stews.
Best Potatoes for Thick Stews
If you are looking for a potato that will help thicken your stew, then you should choose a Russet or white potato. These potatoes have a high starch content and will help to thicken the stew as it cooks.
Russet potatoes are also a good choice if you want your stew to have a creamy texture.
Best Potato for Hearty Stews
If you’re looking for a potato that will give your stew some backbone, then you’ll want to try using baking potatoes like Russets or Idahos. With a higher starch and moisture content than other potatoes, they’ll hold up well in a hearty stew.
Best Potato for Chunky Soups and Stews
Red potatoes hold their shape well, making them ideal for chunky soups and stews. They’re also less likely to turn mushy than other potato varieties.
Fingerling potatoes
Fingerling potatoes are long and thin, with a waxy texture that makes them perfect for soup. They hold their shape well and don’t turn mushy, even when cooked for a long time.
Purple potatoes
Purple potatoes get their color from anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant. They’re waxy like fingerling potatoes and make a beautiful addition to any soup or stew.
Yukon Gold potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are the most popular type of potato in North America. They’re perfect for soup because they’re creamy and have a slightly sweet flavor.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not technically potatoes, but they’re often used in soup and stew recipes. They’re sweet and creamy, with a slight earthy flavor.
Best Potatoes for Clear Broths:
If you want your soup or stew to have a clear broth, then you should use waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or Red Bliss. These potatoes have a lower starch content and will not cloud the broth as they cook.
How to Make Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- chicken stock or vegetable stock
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and chop the onions and garlic.
- In a large pot, saute the onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re soft.
- Add the potatoes and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot!
How to Make Potato Stew
There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking potatoes for stew. First, you’ll want to choose the right type of potato. While there are many different types of potatoes out there, not all of them will work well in soup or stew. For example, waxy potatoes like red potatoes or Yukon Golds will hold their shape better and won’t turn to mush when cooked.
Second, you’ll want to make sure the potatoes are properly cooked before adding them to the stew. Potatoes that are not cooked all the way through will be hard and difficult to eat. The best way to cook potatoes for stew is to simmer them in water or broth until they are tender.
Third, you’ll want to add the potatoes to the stew towards the end of cooking. This will ensure that they don’t overcook and turn to mush.
Ingredients:
- One pound of potatoes, any variety
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- One chopped onion
- Three cups of vegetable broth
- Two cups of water
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent.
Add the potatoes, broth, water, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the soup for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through. Serve hot.
FAQs
Can I use unpeeled potatoes in a stew?
Yes, you can use unpeeled potatoes in stew. Just make sure to scrub them well before using. Some people also like to leave the skin on for added nutrients and fiber. However, if you don’t like the texture of potato skins, you can always peel them before cooking.
How do I make a creamy potato soup?
To make a creamy potato soup, you can add some heavy cream or milk to the soup after it’s cooked. You can also add some shredded cheese or crème fraiche for extra richness.
Should you peel potatoes for potato soup?
No, you don’t have to peel potatoes for potato soup. In fact, leaving the skin on can add some extra nutrients and fiber to your soup. However, if you don’t like the texture of potato skins, you can always peel them before cooking.
Do you have to peel potatoes for stew?
No, you don’t have to peel potatoes for stew. In fact, leaving the skin on can add some extra nutrients and fiber to your stew. However, if you don’t like the texture of potato skins, you can always peel them before cooking.
Can I use soft potatoes in soup?
Yes, you can use soft potatoes in the soup. However, you may want to cook them a little bit longer so they are fully cooked through. If the potatoes are too soft, they may break down and create a thicker soup.
Is it safe to eat a sprouted potato?
It is safe to eat a sprouted potato. In fact, many people believe that sprouted potatoes are more nutritious than regular potatoes. Just make sure to scrub the skin well before using.
Should potatoes be cooked before adding to soup?
No, potatoes don’t have to be cooked before adding to soup. However, if you are using raw potatoes, you may want to cook them a little bit longer so they are fully cooked through.
Related: How Long To Boil Potatoes for The Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best potato for soup or stew, it really depends on your personal preferences. Do you like your soup thick and creamy? If so, then a starchy potato like a Russet is probably your best bet. If you prefer a thinner soup with more broth, then a waxy potato like a Yukon Gold would be a better choice.
No matter what kind of potato you choose, make sure to wash it well before using. Potatoes can often contain dirt and bacteria on the skin, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly before cooking.
