1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups stock or broth, see our chicken stock or vegetable broth
4 cups chopped potatoes, cubed (1 1/2 pounds or 3 to 4 medium)
1 bay leaf
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup cream, half and half, sour cream or plain yogurt
1 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyere, optional
For serving (optional): Chopped parsley, chives or scallions, extra shredded cheese, sour cream, crumbled cooked bacon, hot sauce
DIRECTIONS
In a large heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, stir in the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften; 5 to 6 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, rosemary, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and then cook, stirring everything around the pot, for 30 seconds.
Scatter the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, until it looks medium blonde in color; about 1 minute. It smells toasty, like browned butter.