Potato Leek Soup

Potato Leek Soup

A French classic, this creamy potato leek soup is quick, easy, and comforting.  Nancy Harrison

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 25 Minutes

Cook Time: 40 Minutes

Total Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes 

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped (about 5 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped into ½-inch pieces
• 7 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Chives, finely chopped, for serving 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add the leeks and garlic and cook, stirring regularly, until soft and wilted, about 10 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary so as not to brown.
2. Add the potatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper to pot and bring to a boil. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very soft.
3. Fish out the thyme sprig and bay leaves, then purée the soup with a hand-held immersion blender until smooth. (Alternatively, use a standard blender to purée the soup in batches; see note.) Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If soup is too thin, simmer until thickened. If it's too thick, add water or stock to thin it out. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
4. Note: If using a standard blender to purée the soup: be sure not to fill the jar more than halfway; leave the hole in the lid open and cover loosely with a dishtowel to allow the heat to escape; and pour blended soup into a clean pot.
5. Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The soup can be frozen, without the cream, for up to 3 months. Defrost the soup in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. Once heated through, add the cream and bring to a simmer before serving.