Polish Potato Soup

Ingredients:

1. 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2. 1 onion, finely chopped
3. 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
4. 2 celery stalks, chopped
5. 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
6. 200g bacon, diced
7. 1 bay leaf
8. 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
9. Salt and pepper to taste
10. 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
11. Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: In a large pot, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove some for garnish if desired.

Step 2: In the remaining bacon fat, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they soften.

Step 3: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for a few minutes.

Step 4: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf and dried marjoram. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: If using, stir in the heavy cream to add richness to the soup. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve the Polish Potato Soup hot, garnished with crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley.

Step 9: Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this Polish classic, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a comforting bowl of soup.