Cozy Potato Leek Soup Recipe: A Bowl of Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of potato leek soup that whispers warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with robust flavors, creating a delightful harmony of simple ingredients.

Tender potatoes mingle with delicate leeks, promising a soothing culinary experience that feels like a gentle embrace.

Hearty and elegant, this classic soup bridges rustic charm with sophisticated taste.

European peasant kitchens inspired this timeless recipe that turns humble vegetables into liquid gold.

Rich with subtle nuances and smooth consistency, the soup beckons you to savor each velvety bite.

Dive into this soul-warming dish that promises to chase away winter’s chill and nourish your spirit.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Potato Leek Soup: Ingredient List

• Leeks: Provide a mild, sweet onion-like flavor and create the soup's delicate foundation; choose fresh, crisp leeks with bright green tops and firm white bottoms.
• Garlic: Adds robust depth and aromatic warmth; select firm, plump cloves without sprouting or soft spots.

• Vegetable Broth: Delivers rich, savory liquid base that enhances overall soup complexity; opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Bay Leaf: Introduces subtle herbal undertones and depth; use fresh or dried leaves for gentle background flavor.
• Thyme: Contributes earthy, slightly minty notes that complement leeks and potatoes; fresh sprigs offer more vibrant taste.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies other ingredients' flavors; use kosher or sea salt for better texture and taste.

• Potatoes: Create creamy, hearty soup foundation; choose starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold for smooth consistency.
• Olive Oil: Provides silky cooking medium and hints of fruity undertone; extra virgin offers more complex flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and brightness; freshly ground provides more intense aroma.
• Chives: Brings fresh, mild onion-like garnish with beautiful green color; select bright, crisp herbs.

Tools That Help Make Creamy Potato Leek Soup

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup, with enough space to hold all ingredients.
• Colander: Perfect for rinsing leeks and removing dirt thoroughly.
• Cutting board: Solid surface for chopping leeks and potatoes safely.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice leeks and dice potatoes precisely.
• Immersion blender: Ideal for creating creamy soup texture directly in the pot.
• High-powered blender (optional): Alternative for extra smooth soup consistency.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately adding salt and herbs.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for stirring ingredients while cooking.

How to Simmer and Blend Potato Leek Soup Smoothly

• Leek Preparation

Slice off the tough dark green tops and trim the leek bottoms, focusing on the tender white and light green sections. Carefully split leeks in half and chop into small, delicate pieces.

• Cleaning Process

Rinse chopped leeks thoroughly under cool running water to wash away hidden dirt and grit trapped between layers.

• Sautéing Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Gently sauté leeks until they soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.

• Liquid and Seasoning

Pour vegetable broth into the pot, introducing diced potatoes and fragrant herbs. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes become fork-tender.

• Blending Magic

Discard herb sprigs and transform the soup into a silky smooth texture using an immersion blender. For an extra creamy consistency, blend in small batches.

• Finishing Touches

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives and a light dusting of black pepper. Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Potato Leek Soup Tips for More Flavor

• Roast leeks and potatoes in the oven before adding to the soup for a richer, caramelized flavor profile that intensifies the overall taste.
• Experiment with different blending techniques – partially blend for a chunky texture or completely puree for a silky smooth consistency that suits your preference.
• Enhance the soup by stirring in cooked crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crumbled goat cheese for added protein and complexity.
• Swap traditional herbs with international seasonings like smoked paprika for a Spanish touch, curry powder for an Indian flair, or fresh dill for a Eastern European variation that transforms the soup's character.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and enjoying a comforting dish whenever hunger strikes.

Ways to Serve Potato Leek Soup Warm and Cozy

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or French bread slices to soak up the creamy soup and add delightful texture.
• Cheese Topping Adventure: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or crumbled goat cheese on top for an extra layer of rich, tangy flavor that complements the smooth potato base.
• Crispy Bacon Crunch: Crumble crisp bacon bits over the soup for a salty, smoky accent that provides wonderful contrast to the soft, velvety soup texture.
• Herb Garden Finishing Touch: Scatter fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill across the surface to brighten the soup with a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.

Storage Instructions for Potato Leek Soup

• Quick Batch Preparation: Double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for busy weeknights. Perfect for meal prepping, this soup stays delicious for 4-5 days when refrigerated.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Carefully transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Sealed soup maintains excellent quality for up to 3 months, providing a quick comfort meal anytime.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of vegetable broth if soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Ingredient Freshness Tip: Store unused leeks wrapped in damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in refrigerator. Potatoes should be kept in cool, dark place with good air circulation to prevent sprouting and maintain optimal texture.

Velvety Potato Leek Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy potato leek soup brings comfort and warmth from French countryside kitchens. Rich ingredients blend perfectly, offering hearty satisfaction for home cooks seeking simple, elegant meal solutions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 lbs (907 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch pieces
• 3 large leeks (white and light green parts only)
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Freshly chopped chives
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Leeks: Trim dark green tops, keeping white and light green sections. Slice lengthwise and chop into small segments, then rinse thoroughly in a colander to remove soil and grit.
2. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly to release aromatic flavors.
3. Build Soup Foundation: Add diced potatoes, salt, bay leaf, thyme, and vegetable broth. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer and Tenderize: Cover pot and let simmer quietly, allowing potatoes to become completely tender (approximately 15-20 minutes). Verify doneness by piercing potatoes with a fork.
5. Blend and Finish: Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Use an immersion blender or high-performance blender to create desired soup consistency. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with freshly snipped chives and a light dusting of black pepper.

Notes

• Clean Leeks Thoroughly: Rinse chopped leeks meticulously under cold water to remove hidden dirt and prevent gritty texture in your soup.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Sauté leeks and garlic gently over moderate heat to develop rich flavors without burning or creating bitter undertones.
• Test Potato Doneness: Pierce potatoes with a fork to ensure complete tenderness before blending, guaranteeing a smooth and creamy soup consistency.
• Blending Technique: Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup, or transfer to a high-performance blender in small batches for an ultra-silky texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg