Creamy Potato Leek Soup (Printable version)

A rich, velvety blend of tender potatoes and leeks simmered in vegetable broth with cream.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), thoroughly cleaned and sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (approximately 1.3 pounds)
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

06 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
07 - 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
08 - 1 bay leaf

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
13 - Drizzle of olive oil or swirl of cream (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Slice leeks lengthwise, then into thin half-moons. Rinse thoroughly under cool water to remove any grit.
02 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and onion, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, approximately 7 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in diced potatoes, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
05 - Remove and discard the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a blender, puree, then return to the pot.
06 - Stir in milk or cream. Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chives or parsley. Drizzle with cream or olive oil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Incredibly creamy and comforting without requiring complex techniques.
  • Uses budget-friendly, wholesome ingredients like leeks and potatoes.
  • Easily adaptable for vegan diets and naturally gluten-free if using the right broth.
02 -
  • Ensure you clean the sliced leeks thoroughly in a bowl of water to remove any trapped sand or grit.
  • Avoid letting the soup boil once the dairy has been added to prevent it from separating.
  • Check labels on your broth and cream to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
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