Cheesy Potato Stoup

Stoup is a slang expression that has come to be applied to an easy to prepare dish that is thicker than a standard soup but not quite as thick as a stew. Considered to be an ideal meal in a pot, stoup can include a wide range of meats and vegetables in a tomato based liquid or prepared with cream based commercial soups that are thickened slightly. Like soups and stews, stoup can be served with thick hunks of bread or crackers and accompanied by a simple garden salad to provide a filling and nutritional meal.

Because stoup is a fine line between soup and stew, there is some difference of opinion on just how thick the recipe can be before it crosses the line and becomes a proper stew. Some people believe that stoup is only marginally thicker than vegetable soup; anything thicker should be considered stew. Others believe that stoup is better described as being stew that is slightly watered down and that anything thinner than that is nothing more than a thick soup.

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Cheesy Potato Stoup Recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs. red potatoes
3 C. chicken broth
1/2 lb. bacon, cut into small bits
1/4 C. margarine, melted
1/4 C. flour
3 C. half-and-half
1 C. milk
1 (16-ounce) block Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1 C. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 C. fresh chives, chopped
1/2 C. fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation

1. Dice unpeeled red potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a large Dutch oven or stew pot, cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Let boil for 10 minutes or until 3/4 cooked.
2. While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a separate large Dutch oven or stew pot. When the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and place it on a paper towel covered plate. Save it for later. Get rid of all of the bacon grease except one teaspoon.
3. Mix the melted margarine and flour into the bacon grease, mixing until smooth.
4. Place over low heat and gradually add half-and-half, stirring constantly. Use the same method to pour in the milk.
5. Now, carefully, add the potatoes and the chicken broth to the pot. The best way to do this is by using the slotted spoon to pick up the potatoes and place them in. Then pour in the broth. Continue to stir until smooth and liquid begins to thicken.
6. Fold in the cubed Velveeta. Stir in pepper, garlic powder and hot pepper sauce.
7. Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Place soup into individual serving bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chives and parsley.

When my friends and family are feeling under the weather, I usually whip up a big pot of soup, stew or stoup to make them feel better.

Two of my favorites are this cheesy potato stoup and beef stew in the winter or old fashioned chicken noodle and fresh vegetable in the summer. Of course, this only works for friends that are in my area so if I've got a sick friend that lives across the country, I opt to send them some home-baked goodies like chocolate brownies or turtle bars.

Another great get well gift option is a big cookie bouquet of smiling cookies that you can buy online - they are sure to bring a smile to any one's face!