Creamy Potato & Dill Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any time of the year. The smooth, velvety texture of the soup comes from a blend of tender potatoes, cream, and a subtle yet fresh burst of dill. This soup is rich and flavorful, with the dill adding a fragrant herbaceous note that elevates the simple ingredients to something extraordinary. Ideal as a starter or a light main dish, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)

Directions:
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, uniform cubes.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cook the vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Simmer the soup:
- Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the soup:
- Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some potato pieces intact. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend it until smooth.
- Add cream and seasoning:
- Stir in the heavy cream and fresh dill. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh dill if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad on the side.

This creamy potato and dill soup is rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out!