Potato Leek Soup
Total Time
45 mins
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Rating
4.95 out of 5 stars
(74)
Ingredients
8 servings
- 4 large leeks, about 2½ pounds, white and light green parts only
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 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 fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
- For Leek Top Broth (optional):
- 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
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Preparation
Step 1
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.
Step 2
Make the soup: Chop the white and light green parts of the leeks. Wash well.
Step 3
Heat 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 occasionally, or until the leeks are soft. If the leeks start browning before they soften, reduce the heat.
Step 4
Add the potatoes, garlic, broth, and thyme and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very soft. Use an immersion blender or transfer to an upright blender to blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the milk. Season to taste, adding the lemon juice, if desired.
Step 5
Garnish with chives and serve.
Step 6
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Chef's notes
Leftover potato leek soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will thicken slightly in the fridge, so you may need to stir in a little water to loosen it when you reheat it. It reheats nicely in the microwave or on the stove.
In general, potato soups can separate and become gummy when thawed. However, if you’d like to freeze this one, you can freeze it for up to 3 months without the cream.
Let frozen soup thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, stirring often to bring it back together if separated. Stir the milk or cream into the soup when hot.
