Creating Smoky Jalapeño Cheddar Potato Soup is uncomplicated with the following steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and seed and dice the jalapeños.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeños, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and jalapeños.
4. Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, only blend partially.
7. Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it warm for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Cheese It Up: Remove the pot from the heat, and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
10. Serve Immediately: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

These straightforward steps will guide you in creating this incredible Smoky Jalapeño Cheddar Potato Soup with ease.