The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, shop and even the way we eat.
More than ever, we are looking for easy and affordable recipes to cook from home. Recipes that that don’t just stretch our dollar, but offer old-fashioned comfort during these stressful times. And since a lot of us are doing more emotional eating than usual, we might as make it healthy and hearty.
Make sure every dollar goes as far as possible by shopping at discount retailers that sell food, such as Giant Tiger or No Frills. Not only do they often have a large selection of kitchenware, cookware and food storage items, they also have a grocery department that offers budget-friendly food without compromising on quality.
We spoke with Jerry Dzikowski, Director Category Management Grocery, who recommends trying the following crowd-pleasing potato soup. Its ingredients are easy to find, have a long-lasting shelf life and provide a delicious, hearty, warm meal ready to feed the whole family on a budget.
As an added bonus, you can double the recipe for leftovers for a busy night.
And who doesn’t like leftovers? As a cook, leftovers are like miracles, saving you having to come up with a meal from scratch yet again. Change out the toppings, and you have something different.
Hearty Potato Soup
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
6 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 5 medium potatoes, cubed to about ¾ inch)
1½ cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
1¼ cups peeled and diced carrots (3 medium)
1 cup diced celery (2-3 stalks)
1 tsp dried tarragon
14.5 oz. low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2½ cups 2% milk
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup bacon or ham (extra to garnish), for a savoury twist
Optional garnishes: Cheddar cheese, bacon or ham, and slivered green onion
Note: You don’t have any bacon or ham handy? Use hot dogs instead! Cut them on a diagonal to fancy them up. Or simply set the entire hot dog to the side for dipping. Call it “hot dog soup” and fussy kids are guaranteed to dig in!
Directions:
1. Combine potatoes, carrots, celery, onions and tarragon with chicken broth in a large pot and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and continue to cook about 15 to 20 minutes longer until potatoes are very soft.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan melt butter, add flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes while whisking. Stir in milk, then cook and stir until mixture begins to lightly bubble and thicken.
4. Once potatoes are soft, add thickened milk mixture to potato soup mixture and stir.
5. Add sour cream and mix well.
6. Stir in cheddar cheese and bacon or ham until mixed in.
Top as desired.
Serve with crusty bread or any kind of toasted bread or buns.
— News Canada