If you were raised in the South, you likely had these potatoes a few times a month. It’s still a dish I crave today!
Southern-Style Creamy Potato Stew
Ingredients:
7 potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 tablespoons butter
1 pinch onion flakes
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons bacon grease (optional for added flavor)
Instructions:
Cook Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water (about 2 inches above the potatoes). Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender yet firm, about 15-20 minutes.
Prepare Roux: In a small bowl, combine the flour with 1/2 cup of water, stirring until smooth to create a roux.
Thicken Broth: Once the potatoes are cooked, slowly stir the roux mixture into the pot with the potatoes, allowing the broth to thicken. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Season: Add the milk, butter, salt, pepper, and onion flakes to the pot, stirring to combine. For an extra burst of flavor, incorporate the bacon grease into the stew.
Serve: Once the potatoes are tender and the broth has thickened to your liking, ladle the Southern-style creamy potato stew into bowls and serve hot as a comforting side dish. Enjoy the hearty flavors of the South!
This creamy potato stew is a beloved Southern classic that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of tender potatoes, rich broth, and savory seasonings will have everyone coming back for seconds
Tips to Make Southern-Style Creamy Potato Stew:
- Potato Selection: Choose potatoes that are suitable for boiling, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, as they hold their shape well when cooked.
- Consistent Cubes: Try to cube the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Controlled Boiling: When boiling the potatoes, avoid high heat to prevent them from becoming mushy. A gentle simmer is ideal to maintain their texture.
- Test for Doneness: Pierce the potatoes with a fork to check for tenderness. They should be soft enough to pierce easily but still hold their shape.
- Smooth Roux: Ensure the roux is smooth and free of lumps before adding it to the pot. Whisking continuously while adding the flour to the water helps prevent clumping.
- Thickening Consistency: Adjust the amount of roux according to your desired thickness. If the stew is too thin, you can make additional roux by mixing flour with water and gradually adding it until reaching the desired consistency.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing diced onions and garlic in butter before adding the potatoes. This will add depth to the stew.
- Bacon Grease Infusion: If using bacon grease, add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor. Alternatively, you can cook chopped bacon separately until crispy and sprinkle it on top of the stew before serving for added crunch and flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also customize the seasoning blend by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional aroma.
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top of the stew just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
