Oh, friends, get ready for a bowl of pure comfort! We’re diving into a Classic Potato Leek Soup that’s going to warm your soul. Imagine creamy, velvety soup with the delicate sweetness of leeks and the earthy richness of potatoes. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds, and trust me, you’ll want to savor every spoonful. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: This soup is the epitome of comfort food. Smooth, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
- Leek Love: The delicate sweetness of leeks adds a unique flavor that elevates this classic soup.
- Simple & Satisfying: We’re talking minimal effort, maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Versatile & Hearty: This soup is a blank canvas for your creativity, and it’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our cozy, comforting ingredients:
- Salted Butter (or Olive Oil): For sautéing the leeks and adding richness.
- Leeks: White and light green parts, thinly sliced, for a sweet, oniony flavor.
- Celery Ribs: Adds a subtle crunch and depth of flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Minced, for aromatic warmth.
- Russet Potatoes: Peeled and diced, for a creamy base.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and liquid.
- Water: Helps to balance the broth.
- Fresh Thyme & Bay Leaf: For herbaceous depth.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Heavy Cream: For a rich, velvety texture.
- Chives: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Want to add your own special touch? Here are some fun ideas:
- Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the soup for a savory crunch.
- Cheese Please: Top with grated Parmesan or Gruyère for a cheesy delight.
- Herb Heaven: Add other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like carrots or spinach for added nutrition.
How to Make Classic Potato Leek Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Leeks
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks, celery, and garlic. Cook until the leeks are tender but not browned.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Add the chopped potatoes, broth, water, thyme, bay leaf, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender. Remove the thyme and bay leaf.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Add the cream and blend again. Season to taste.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Clean the Leeks Well: Leeks can trap dirt, so make sure to wash them thoroughly.
- Don’t Brown the Leeks: Cook them until tender but not browned for the best flavor.
- Use a Good Blender: A high-powered blender will give you the smoothest soup.
- If you do not have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used, but use less.
How to Serve Classic Potato Leek Soup
This soup is perfect for any occasion!
- Cozy Dinner: Serve it as a starter or main course on a chilly evening.
- Lunchtime Delight: Enjoy a bowl with a side of crusty bread.
- Elegant Appetizer: Serve in small cups as an appetizer at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the soup in individual portions for easy meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too.
2. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth. Skip the cream or use a plant-based cream alternative.
3. How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They should be tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Can I add other seasonings?
Yes, a pinch of nutmeg or white pepper would be delicious additions.
Go ahead, make this Classic Potato Leek Soup and prepare to be amazed! It’s a creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every warm, velvety spoonful!
Print
Classic Potato Leek Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Potato Leek Soup is a creamy, comforting, and elegant soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender leeks and potatoes are simmered in a flavorful broth and blended to velvety smoothness, then enriched with heavy cream for a touch of luxury. It’s a simple yet satisfying soup that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 large or 4 small leeks (4 cups thinly sliced), white and light green parts
- 3 celery ribs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and small diced (5 cups diced)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or a bouquet garni)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Leeks and Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter (or olive oil) over medium heat.
- Add the leeks, celery, and garlic.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes, until the leeks are very tender but not browned.
- Simmer Soup:
- Add the chopped potato, vegetable broth (or chicken broth), water, fresh thyme (or bouquet garni), bay leaf, and salt.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the thyme and bay leaf.
- Blend Soup:
- Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Return to the pot.
- Add Cream and Season:
- Add the heavy cream and blend again to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives.
Notes
- Ensure you use only the white and light green parts of the leeks.
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit the heavy cream.
- You can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water if needed.
- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the leeks for a longer time, allowing them to caramelize slightly.
- You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, for additional flavor and texture.
- Serve with crusty bread or croutons for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 300kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
