Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Ingredients

• 4 large leeks (about 2½ pounds, white and light green parts only)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes or yellow potatoes (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (grated)
• 6 cups Leek Top Broth (below) or vegetable broth
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs (bundled)
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed (optional)
• Chopped fresh chives (to garnish)
• 4 large leeks (about 2½ pounds, dark green tops only)
• 12 cups water
• 8 fresh thyme sprigs
• 5 garlic cloves (smashed)
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

Method

1. First, optional: Make the leek top broth. Cut the dark green tops off the leeks. Wash well and add to a large pot with the water, thyme, garlic, salt, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and measure 6 cups broth for the soup. Freeze the remaining broth or store it in the refrigerator for another use.
2. Then, make the soup: Chop the white and light green parts of the leeks. Wash well.
3. Next, warm the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, or until the leeks are soft. If the leeks start browning before they soften, reduce the heat.
4. After that, add the potatoes, garlic, broth, and thyme and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very soft. Remove the thyme, then use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to an upright blender to blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the milk. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding the lemon juice, if desired.
5. Finally, garnish with chives and serve.

About this recipe

Lowflame publishes general food information, not medical advice. If you are managing a medical condition, are pregnant, or have a food allergy, check the ingredient list against your own needs and speak to a qualified professional before making changes to your diet.