Easy Potato Leek Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Creamy, comforting potato leek soup warms hearts on chilly evenings.

This classic French-inspired dish blends tender potatoes with delicate leeks into a velvety smooth mixture.

Rich with subtle flavors, the soup celebrates simple, fresh ingredients.

Leeks bring a gentle onion-like sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy potatoes.

Each spoonful offers a luxurious texture that feels both elegant and homey.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together with just a few pantry staples.

Savor the smooth, silky comfort of this timeless soup that promises to delight every palate.

Twists for Classic Potato Leek Soup

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Vegan Veggie Variation: Substitute butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of traditional broth, adding nutritional yeast for extra depth.
• Herb-Infused Option: Swap thyme with fresh rosemary or dill, introducing a different aromatic profile while keeping the soup's comforting essence.
• Protein-Packed Boost: Add cooked white beans or diced chicken to transform the soup into a more substantial meal with increased protein content.

Serving Potato Leek Soup at Its Best

• Cozy Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty French baguette or sourdough slices to soak up the creamy soup and add delightful texture.
• Gourmet Topping Delight: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, roasted garlic croutons, or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Elegant Side Pairing: Complement the soup with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a fresh contrast.
• Warming Beverage Match: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Chardonnay to enhance the soup's delicate leek and potato flavors.

Storing Potato Leek Soup for Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze flat for maximum storage efficiency, lasting up to 3 months.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches steaming temperature.
• Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add splash of broth or water to restore original consistency. Warm gently until heated through, avoiding boiling to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• What are leeks, and how do I prepare them for this soup?

Leeks are mild, onion-like vegetables. Wash them thoroughly, trim off the dark green tops and root end, then slice the white and light green parts. Rinse between layers to remove any dirt or sand.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarian diets without compromising flavor.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! Potatoes provide vitamin C and potassium, leeks offer antioxidants, and the soup is low in calories when prepared with minimal cream. It’s a nutritious, comforting meal.

Discover Comfort in Potato Leek Soup

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This potato leek soup delivers warm, hearty goodness with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a satisfying meal.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by choosing between smooth or chunky textures, adding different herbs, or making it vegetarian or dairy-free to suit personal preferences.
• Seasonal Delight for All Occasions: Whether it's a chilly evening, a light lunch, or a starter for a dinner party, this versatile soup transitions beautifully across different meal settings and seasons.
• Nutritious and Budget-Friendly: Packed with affordable ingredients like potatoes and leeks, this soup provides a nutritious meal that won't break the bank while offering wholesome, comforting flavors.

What Goes Into Potato Leek Soup

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base and creamy texture of the soup.
• Leeks: Mild onion-like vegetable that adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the soup.
• Broth: Provides the liquid base and enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Garlic: Adds a robust, pungent flavor that complements the vegetables.
• Thyme: Fragrant herb that brings an earthy and slightly minty note to the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavors.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• Cream, Milk: Provides a smooth, velvety texture and additional richness to the soup.
• Chives, Parsley: Fresh herbs used as a garnish to add color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Steps for Making Potato Leek Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, creating a sizzling base for your delicious soup.

Step 2: Sauté Leeks to Perfection

Add sliced leeks to the pot, stirring gently and cooking for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Introduce Aromatic Garlic

Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its wonderful fragrant essence into the developing soup.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

• Potatoes
• Broth
• Water
• Thyme

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Create Desired Texture

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky smooth consistency, or keep it chunky for a more rustic feel – the choice is yours.

Step 6: Add Creamy Richness

Stir in cream or milk to enhance the soup’s luxurious texture, then season with salt and black pepper until the flavors sing.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top, adding a bright, green garnish that brings color and extra flavor to your comforting potato leek soup.

Potato Leek Soup: Handy Tips to Try

• Select bright green, crisp leeks without wilting or brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
• Clean leeks thoroughly by cutting lengthwise and rinsing between layers to remove hidden dirt and sand.
• Add extra broth or water if the soup becomes too thick during cooking, maintaining a smooth, creamy texture.
• Roast potatoes and leeks briefly before adding liquid to enhance their natural sweetness and create a richer taste profile.
• Swap butter for olive oil and use vegetable broth to create a completely plant-based version of the soup.

Potato Leek Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting potato leek soup whispers classic French countryside charm, blending creamy potatoes with delicate leek subtleties. Hearty spoonfuls deliver warmth and satisfaction, inviting you to savor each rich, velvety bite.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 4 leeks, white and light green parts only, thoroughly washed and thinly sliced
• 4 Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Liquids:

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk

Fats and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté leeks in butter or olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic flavors.
3. Incorporate potatoes, broth, water, and thyme into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
4. Reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, ensuring potatoes become fork-tender and easily mashed.
5. For a velvety consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup; alternatively, leave the soup with a rustic, chunky texture.
6. Enhance the soup’s richness by stirring in cream or milk, creating a smooth and luxurious base.
7. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley as a vibrant, herbaceous garnish before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich flavor profile.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the recipe plant-based and lighter in calories.
• Consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy depth without dairy, perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Roast leeks and potatoes beforehand to enhance caramelized, nutty undertones in the final soup texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 135 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg