Classic Potato Leek Soup (Printable Version)

Creamy soup with tender potatoes and leeks, simmered in vegetable broth and finished with cream for comfort.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
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

# How to Make:

01 - Slice leeks lengthwise, then into thin half-moons. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove all grit and debris.
02 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, approximately 7 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic 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 bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a blender, purée, then return to pot.
06 - Stir in milk or cream. Heat gently until warmed through without boiling. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Add a swirl of cream or drizzle of olive oil if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a rich and velvety texture.
  • The preparation is straightforward and takes only about 50 minutes from start to finish.
  • It is naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets.
02 -
  • Be sure to remove the bay leaf before blending to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency.
  • When adding the milk or cream at the end, heat the soup gently and avoid bringing it back to a boil to prevent curdling.
  • Thoroughly washing the leeks is crucial, as sand and grit often get trapped between the inner layers.
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