# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil for vegan option
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
05 - 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
06 - 1 medium carrot, diced
07 - 1 stalk celery, diced
→ Liquids
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 cup milk or unsweetened plant-based milk for vegan option
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream, optional
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
→ Garnish
15 - Chopped fresh parsley or chives, optional
16 - Crumbled cooked bacon or vegan bacon, optional
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in diced potatoes and corn kernels; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until potatoes are tender.
05 - Stir in milk, cream if using, salt, black pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
06 - For creaminess, partially puree the soup with an immersion blender or mash some potatoes, leaving vegetables chunky.
07 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley, chives, or crumbled bacon as desired.
