Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Quick & Creamy Potato Leek Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Creamy potato leek soup emerges as a comforting classic that warms you from the inside out.

Hearty vegetables blend seamlessly into a silky smooth experience.

Leeks bring a delicate onion-like sweetness that elevates the entire dish.

Rich and velvety textures dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Rustic French countryside inspirations shine through in this simple yet elegant preparation.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly to create something truly magical.

Potato Leek Soup Prep Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a spacious pot over medium temperature.

Toss in:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Leeks

Sauté the ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, letting them dance and caramelize for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth into the pot.

Let the mixture reach a rolling boil, then gently lower the heat.

Allow the soup to simmer peacefully for 20-25 minutes, waiting until the potatoes become tender and practically melt when touched.

Step 3: Create Silky Smoothness

Grab an immersion blender and transform the soup into a luxurious, velvety texture.

Blend thoroughly until no chunks remain, creating a consistent and creamy consistency.

Step 4: Enhance with Richness

Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.

Stir gently to incorporate the flavors, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve with Style

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top.

For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the surface before presenting to eager diners.

Smooth Steps For Potato Leek Soup Success

  • Sauté onions, garlic, and leeks on medium heat to develop rich, deep flavors without burning, creating a sweet aromatic base for the soup.
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a smooth, creamy consistency without transferring hot soup to a blender, reducing mess and potential burns.
  • Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold, which break down easily and contribute to a luxurious, velvety soup texture.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian and lighter.
  • Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to ensure perfect balance without overwhelming the delicate leek and potato flavors.

Keeping Potato Leek Soup Tasty Later

  • Store leftover potato leek soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Pour soup into a pot, warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Watch carefully to avoid splattering.

Delicious Combos for Potato Leek Soup

  • Complement Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Perfectly Paired Delights
  • Crusty Sourdough Bread Pairing: Break apart a warm, tangy sourdough slice that absorbs the soup's rich, velvety texture and cuts through its creamy consistency.
  • Crisp White Wine Match: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright, acidic notes that balance the soup's smooth, hearty profile and cleanse the palate.
  • Fresh Herbed Salad Companion: Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, featuring sharp greens that provide a refreshing contrast to the soup's warm, comforting flavors.
  • Herb-Roasted Chicken Side: Add tender roasted chicken seasoned with thyme and rosemary to introduce a protein-rich element that enhances the soup's subtle leek and potato essence.

Potato Leek Soup Options

  • Vegan Comfort Soup: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth and eliminate butter, substituting with extra olive oil for sautéing.
  • Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill during the cooking process to enhance the soup's aromatic profile. Garnish with a mix of chopped fresh herbs.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate cooked white beans or diced chicken for added protein. Blend half the soup for creaminess while leaving some chunks for texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version. Use the same cooking method and seasonings for a similar creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Are leeks similar to onions in taste?

Leeks have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, with a subtle garlic-like undertone that adds a gentle complexity to dishes without being overpowering.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian since it uses vegetable broth. To keep it vegan, simply replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

  • What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

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

  • How can I add more protein to the soup?

Consider adding cooked white beans, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, or topping with roasted chickpeas to increase the protein content of this soup.

Why Potato Leek Soup Recipe Feels So Cozy

  • Quick Comfort Creator: Transforms simple ingredients into a velvety, warming soup perfect for chilly evenings.
  • Minimal Effort Meal: Requires only basic cooking skills and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
  • Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like potatoes, leeks, and vegetable broth that won't strain your grocery budget.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for various occasions from weeknight dinners to elegant dinner parties, and can be easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan preferences by swapping cream.

Elements Behind Potato Leek Soup

Starchy Base:
  • Potatoes: Hearty foundation of the soup, providing creamy texture and substance. Russet or Yukon Gold work best for smooth consistency.
  • Leeks: Adds delicate onion-like flavor and subtle sweetness. Select fresh, crisp leeks with bright green tops.
  • Onion: Deepens the overall flavor profile and provides aromatic base. White or yellow onions recommended.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Brings intense, robust flavor to the soup. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced options.
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and adds subtle vegetable undertones. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, silky texture and adds richness. Can substitute with half-and-half or milk for lighter version.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall soup flavor. Fresh ground pepper recommended.
  • Fresh Chives or Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes. Optional but recommended for visual appeal and taste.
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Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Potato Leek Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty potato leek soup blends silky French countryside comfort with creamy, rustic simplicity. Delicate herbs and rich vegetables merge into a smooth, warming bowl that connects home cooks with classic culinary traditions you’ll savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 large leeks (white and light green parts), thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel with a blend of olive oil and butter, creating a fragrant base over moderate heat.
  2. Gently sweat the aromatic trio of onions, garlic, and leeks, allowing them to soften and release their delicate flavors, transforming the pot’s landscape in about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Introduce cubed potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous bubble.
  4. Reduce the heat, allowing the mixture to gently simmer, transforming the potatoes into tender morsels over approximately 20-25 minutes.
  5. Deploy an immersion blender to transform the rustic mixture into a silky, uniform consistency, breaking down the vegetables into a luxurious liquid landscape.
  6. Incorporate heavy cream, stirring gracefully to create a rich, velvety texture that enhances the soup’s depth and complexity.
  7. Season the creation with judicious amounts of salt and pepper, calibrating the flavor profile to your palate’s preference.
  8. Ladle the soup into serving vessels, adorning the surface with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley, and optional olive oil drizzle for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture and best flavor absorption.
  • Rinse leeks thoroughly to remove hidden dirt between layers, ensuring a clean, grit-free soup base.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories and add unique tang.
  • Swap vegetable broth with chicken stock for deeper, richer flavor profile if preferred by meat-eaters.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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