Russian Potato Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1/2 lb potato, peeled and diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon basil
• 1/3 cup bacon (optional) or 1/3 cup ham, bits (optional)
• 2 -3 cups chicken stock
• 1/8 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika

Recipe

• 1 saute veggies and garlic in butter for about 15 minutes.
• 2 add water, bay leaf, and basil; simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender. 20 - 25 minutes.
• 3 mash the veggies or process briefly in a food processor. do not make it into a homogenous mix. you should still be able to discern separate ingredients and colors.
• 4 add the chicken stock and optional meat. heat and season with worcestershie and paprika before serving.