Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 pounds (about 2 kg) potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped cooked ham or bacon (optional)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for seasoning (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours in a slow cooker

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the butter and flour to form a paste (known as a roux). Set aside.
3. In the slow cooker, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, and cooked potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the roux mixture to the slow cooker and stir well.
5. If using ham or bacon, add it into the mix along with the fresh herbs for seasoning.
6. Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 4-6 hours, or until the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving (depending on the amount of added ham or bacon)
• Fat: High in fat due to the use of heavy cream and butter.
• Carbohydrates: From potatoes and flour.
• Protein: From chicken broth and optional ham or bacon.

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy texture due to the use of heavy cream and roux.
• Slow-cooked to ensure potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
• Seasonal and customizable with various herbs and additions like ham or bacon.

User Comments:

1. "This is a great dish for a cold winter's night! The soup is so creamy and filling."
2. "I added some cooked diced chicken to make it more hearty. Delicious!"
3. "I love how easy this recipe is to make in a slow cooker. It's perfect for a busy weeknight."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure potatoes are fully boiled before adding to the slow cooker to ensure they are cooked evenly.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste. Creamy dishes often require less salt than usual.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ham or bacon and increase the vegetable options like carrots or green beans.