Esther's Favorite Boiled Tater Tot Soup

Ok, this isn't really a recipe, but more of a method of how I make Cheddar Broccoli soup. The Tater Tots came about the last time I made the soup. I wanted the soup to have a bit more "oomph" to it and remembered I had a partial bag of Tater Tots in the freezer. I was trying to surprise Esther by making her favorite soup and when she saw the Tater Tots floating in the water she got a strange look on her face. I told her I was making Boiled Tater Tot Soup and to trust me. And now Cheddar Broccoli Soup is known as Boiled Tater Tot Soup here at the Bair Homestead, because we are just weird like that. LOL

• 1 lb bag frozen chopped broccoli



• Tater Tots - frozen - several large handfuls (watch ingredient list if needing to be gluten free)



• Onion (fresh, dried minced, powder - whatever you have on hand)



• Garlic (again - fresh, minced in a jar, powder - whatever is convenient)



• 2 Carrots, peeled and diced

(Veggies in the pot, ready to cook)

Put all the veggies into your soup pot and add:

• Water to cover (I used 6 cups)



• Chicken Soup Base* (add per instruction on jar, you can also use bouillon cubes)

(This is the point where Esther looked in the soup pot and gave me a strange look!) 

Cook until veggies are softened and then mash with potato masher for chunky soup or use a blender if you want it less chunky. :o)


(Soup cooking away - can you smell the yummy goodness yet?)


Add:

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese



• Milk, 1/2 & 1/2, cream - whatever is on hand, I add just enough to make it creamy



• Salt and Pepper to taste

(Pile of diced cheese waiting to be added to the soup)

Heat enough to melt the cheese but don't bring to a boil or the milk will break down.

*I really do think the chicken broth makes all the difference here. It definitely adds another depth to the flavor versus using just water.

Ladle into soup bowls and enjoy the warmth and savor the creamy flavor.  Be prepared for your family to beg for seconds!




Come see what gluten free soup everyone else is making this week at The Gluten-Free Homemaker.