Description
A rich and velvety Creamy Potato Leek Soup made with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, sautéed leeks, and a touch of garlic, blended smooth and finished with heavy cream. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 large leeks, white & light green parts only, cleaned & sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & diced
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
Finishing
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the peeled and diced Yukon Gold potatoes to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme if using, salt, and white pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches using a countertop blender.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to the puréed soup. Reheat the soup gently over low heat without allowing it to boil, to avoid curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of this creamy soup.
Notes
- To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Be sure to clean leeks thoroughly as they often have dirt trapped between layers.
- If desired, add crispy bacon or croutons as a garnish for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
