This pear potato soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With creamy potatoes and sweet fresh pears, it’s the perfect blend of flavors. Herbs add a lovely touch to make it special.
Whenever I make this soup, my kitchen smells amazing, and I can’t wait to have a bowl! It’s so cozy, I sometimes have it for breakfast—who says soup is just for lunch or dinner? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pears: Ripe pears are key for sweetness. I love using Bartlett or Bosc pears. If you can’t find ripe ones, try using apples—Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness would work, too!
Potatoes: I recommend Yukon Gold for creaminess. If you prefer, Russets can be used but might give a fluffier texture. Sweet potatoes can also be a fun twist, adding a different flavor.
Broth: Vegetable broth gives a nice vegetarian option, while chicken broth adds richness. Homemade broth is great but store-bought works well too. If you need a low-sodium option, choose low-salt varieties!
Milk or Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is best, but whole milk or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk can work in a pinch for a lighter version. Just avoid flavored varieties.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley really brighten the soup. If fresh isn’t available, you can use dried herbs, but use less—about a third of the amount because dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Achieve a Silky Smooth Texture When Blending My Soup?
Getting that smooth texture in your soup is all about blending properly. If you’re using a blender, work in small batches—this keeps splatters at bay and ensures a fine puree. Here’s how:
- Let the soup cool slightly before blending; hot liquids can create a steam explosion.
- Blend until fully smooth. An immersion blender works great as you can blend right in the pot.
- If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Remember to blend thoroughly to mix the pears and potatoes well. This is what gives your soup that creamy texture!
How to Make Pear Potato Soup With Fresh Pears And Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 ripe pears (plus 1 extra for garnish), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for garnish)
- Fresh herbs: thyme, rosemary, and flat-leaf parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pear potato soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you should plan for about 40 minutes from start to your first delicious spoonful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until it’s translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until you can smell its lovely aroma. This step builds a great flavor base for your soup!
2. Cook the Potatoes and Pears:
Now, it’s time to add your diced potatoes and two of the diced pears to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. This helps the ingredients mix and brings out those yummy flavors.
3. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
4. Blend the Soup:
Once the potatoes are tender, you’ll want to make the soup creamy. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. Be cautious with hot liquids!
5. Stir in Milk or Cream:
Return the blended soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in the milk or cream, and heat it through on low. Now, season it with salt and black pepper to your liking. Take a taste—yum!
6. Serve the Soup:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top each serving with the remaining diced fresh pear pieces for a tasty surprise.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off by garnishing with your freshly chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary, and parsley) and a lovely drizzle of olive oil on top. If you like a little kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes as well. Now it’s ready to eat!
8. Pair with a Side:
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or any of your favorite sides. Enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors from the fresh pears, potatoes, and herbs!
Dig in and savor the creamy, subtly sweet goodness of this Pear Potato Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Pears for This Soup?
Absolutely! While Bartlett and Bosc pears are great choices for their sweetness, you can use whatever pears you have on hand. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor. If pears aren’t available, apples can be a good substitute!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the milk or cream with a plant-based alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Also, check that your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. You can skip the butter, or use a vegan butter substitute as well.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat it, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens up too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove, adding liquid if needed for consistency.
