Velvety Potato Leek Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Comfort arrives in a heartwarming potato leek soup that whispers memories of cozy kitchens and gentle warmth.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a creamy landscape of flavor and texture.

Humble potatoes transform with delicate leeks, dancing together in a silky embrace.

Smooth and rich, this classic French-inspired dish speaks of simplicity and nourishment.

Seasonal vegetables sing a melody of home-cooked goodness, inviting you to savor each spoonful.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this soul-soothing recipe.

Ladle up a bowl and let pure deliciousness convince you to make this soup your new cold-weather companion.

How to Store Potato Leek Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air contact to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs

• Why use only white and light green parts of leeks?

The white and light green parts have the most tender, delicate flavor and softest texture, while the dark green tops are tougher and can make the soup bitter.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, this potato leek soup is already vegetarian since it uses vegetable broth and no meat ingredients.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they break down easily and create a creamy, smooth texture when blended.

• Do I need an immersion blender to make this soup?

No, you can use a standard blender and carefully blend the soup in batches, making sure to leave the lid slightly open to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup.

What Makes Potato Leek Soup So Deliciously Simple

• Breeze Through Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps make this soup a stress-free culinary adventure for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, warm potato leek soup delivers ultimate comfort food satisfaction with its smooth texture and rich, hearty flavor profile.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding cream, swirling in some pesto, or topping with crispy bacon bits to suit individual taste preferences.
• Nutrition Packed Meal: Packed with wholesome vegetables and easy to make vegetarian, this soup provides a nutritious and filling meal that supports healthy eating goals.

Ingredients for Potato Leek Soup

• Leeks: A mild, sweet onion-like vegetable that provides a delicate flavor base for the soup.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a creamy and hearty texture for the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the vegetables and adds depth to the soup.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Bay Leaf, Thyme: Herbs that add subtle, earthy undertones to the soup's taste.
• Salt: A seasoning that helps balance and highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Chives, Black Pepper: Fresh herbs and spice that provide a bright, final touch to the soup.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to soften the leeks and garlic at the beginning of the recipe.

How to Prepare Potato Leek Soup

Step 1: Prepare Leeks and Garlic

Slice leeks carefully, focusing only on the white and pale green sections.

Peel and mince garlic cloves, keeping them ready for cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a large cooking pot over medium heat.

Gently introduce chopped leeks and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

• Cubed potatoes
• Vegetable broth
• Salt
• Bay leaf
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the temperature.

Allow the soup to simmer quietly for 20-25 minutes until potatoes become completely tender.

Step 4: Create Smooth Texture

Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the pot.

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky, creamy consistency.

If using a standard blender, process in small batches for safety.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust salt levels as needed.

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasoning.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Pour soup into serving bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top and dust with cracked black pepper for an elegant finish.

Pro Tips for Potato Leek Soup

• Remove the tough dark green tops, keeping only the tender white and light green sections for the best flavor and texture.
• Cook leeks and garlic gently to develop a sweet, mellow taste without browning, which can make them bitter.
• Use an immersion blender for easy, mess-free pureeing, or carefully transfer soup to a blender in small batches for a silky-smooth consistency.
• Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg during cooking to enhance the soup's complex taste profile.
• Replace cream with coconut milk or potato starch for a lighter, vegan-friendly version that maintains a creamy texture.

Variations on Potato Leek Soup

• Vegan Creamy Comfort: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk instead of cream, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining a similar creamy texture.
• Spicy Herb Infusion: Add roasted green chiles, fresh cilantro, and a dash of cumin for a southwestern-inspired version with extra warmth.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Stir in cooked white beans or shredded chicken to increase protein content and make the soup more filling.

Serving Suggestions for Potato Leek Soup

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty baguette or sourdough bread to dip into the creamy soup, adding a delightful textural contrast and hearty feel.
• Creamy Cheese Topping: Sprinkle some crumbled goat cheese or grated parmesan on top to enhance the soup's richness and add a tangy flavor profile.
• Green Herb Freshness: Scatter extra fresh chives or finely chopped parsley over the soup to bring a bright, fresh note and beautiful green color contrast.
• Crispy Bacon Crunch: Crumble some crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, salty element that complements the smooth potato and leek base.

Potato Leek Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy potato leek soup whisks home cooks through French countryside comfort, delivering silky smooth warmth with classic elegance. Simple ingredients blend into a luxurious bowl you’ll savor from first spoonful to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 large leeks
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

Garnish:

• Freshly chopped chives
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Trim leeks, discarding dark green tops, then rinse thoroughly and slice into thin half-moons to remove any hidden grit.
2. Warm olive oil in a substantial stockpot over medium heat, introducing sliced leeks and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables turn translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-6 minutes.
3. Incorporate diced potatoes, vegetable broth, seasoning, aromatic herbs, creating a robust liquid base. Elevate temperature until mixture reaches a vigorous boil, then reduce to gentle simmer.
4. Allow soup to gently percolate for 20-22 minutes, ensuring potatoes become fork-tender and flavors meld harmoniously.
5. Extract bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the liquid landscape. Transform soup’s texture using immersion blender or traditional blending method, processing until achieving silky, uniform consistency.
6. Calibrate seasoning, introducing additional salt if the flavor profile requires refinement.
7. Present soup in warm bowls, embellishing with delicate fresh chive snippets and freshly cracked black pepper for visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Carefully clean leeks by slicing them lengthwise and rinsing under cold water to remove trapped dirt and sand between layers.
• Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a creamier, smoother soup texture that blends more easily.
• For a dairy-free version, skip cream and use plant-based milk or additional vegetable broth to maintain rich consistency.
• Consider roasting leeks and potatoes beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness and add deeper caramelized flavor to the soup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 164 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg