You’ll love how easily this classic French potato leek soup comes together in five simple steps. Start by cleaning and slicing your leeks, then sauté them with butter and olive oil until soft.
Next, add your diced potatoes, herbs, and broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer for about 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Blend everything until smooth, then stir in heavy cream for that perfect velvety texture.
Finally, adjust your seasonings to taste and let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes. Let’s explore the rich history and helpful tips behind this soul-warming dish.
Ancient French Peasant Origins
Many historians trace potato leek soup back to rural 16th-century France, where peasant families relied on these humble root vegetables for sustenance.
You’ll find it fascinating that these families would grow potatoes and leeks in their modest kitchen gardens, making the most of what they’d had during harsh times.
What’s incredibly heartwarming is how they’d gather around their humble hearths, combining these simple ingredients with water and a pinch of salt to create something truly magical.
You can imagine the comforting aroma that filled their small homes as the soup simmered over wood fires.
This cherished recipe has been passed down through generations, and while today’s version might include cream and fancy garnishes, it’s still the same soul-warming dish that sustained countless families through cold French winters.
Recipe
Potato leek soup is a classic comfort food that combines the earthy flavors of potatoes with the subtle, onion-like taste of leeks. This creamy, smooth soup is perfect for cold weather and can be served as a starter or main course.
This recipe yields a rich, velvety soup that serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare. The combination of butter-sautéed leeks, tender potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a deeply satisfying dish that’s both elegant and rustic.
Ingredients
- 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Steps
- Clean the leeks thoroughly by slicing them lengthwise and rinsing them between the layers to remove all dirt and sand. Slice them into thin rings.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add leeks and onion, cooking until soft but not browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are completely tender.
- Remove bay leaves and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Stir in the heavy cream and return to heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
For the best results, avoid using waxy potatoes, which won’t break down properly to create the desired creamy texture. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal choices.
The soup can be made and reheated and tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.
Final Thoughts
A warm bowl of this classic soup offers comfort and satisfaction that’s hard to match.
You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe repeatedly, especially during those chilly months when you need something to warm your soul.
Don’t be afraid to make this soup your own by adjusting the seasonings to your taste. If you’ve got extra, you’ll be happy to know it freezes beautifully for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep or those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner.
Remember, the key to this soup’s success is letting those leeks and potatoes simmer, allowing their flavors to meld together into something truly special.
You have a wonderful recipe that’ll become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire.
You may also like:
15 Summer Crockpot Recipes to Enjoy the Season
If you liked this post, please share it! Save THIS PIN on your Pinterest board and check it anytime! 🙂
