PANDA'S ULTIMATE POTATO SOUP

Panda's Ultimate Potato Soup image

Provided by Corinne Mihelic

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 13

8-10 slice hickory smoked bacon.
8-10 medium potatoes, baked, peeled and diced.
1 medium onion, diced.
2 medium leeks (including green parts) chopped up small.
2-3 stick celery, diced.
3/4 c all purpose flour.
4 can(s) chicken broth.
1/2 stick unsalted butter
2 tsp dried parsley flakes (i prefer to use fresh).
3 c half & half.
1 1/2 c cheddar cheese, grated (you can use any kind of cheese you like, i prefer a mild cheddar.
1 c sour cream.
fresh ground sea salt & pepper to taste. i use a lot of pepper.

Steps:

1. In an enamel cast iron Dutch oven cook bacon until crisp; remove and crumble,reserve drippings.
2. Cook onion in bacon drippings until tender; stir in flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to make a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, celery; leeks and butter. Cook, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly (use a wire whisk). Put in the baked potatoes, bacon, parsley and half & half; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in cheese and sour cream.
3. Serving Suggestions: Garnish with bacon, cheese, sour cream or green onions (just the greens parts) you could use all four or just your favorites.
4. Goes great in Bread Bowls!