Potato Leek Soup (Print Version)

Velvety smooth soup featuring tender potatoes and leeks in a creamy broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

06 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
07 - 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
08 - 1 bay leaf

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
13 - Drizzle of olive oil or swirl of cream (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Slice leeks lengthwise, then cut into thin half-moons. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit or soil between layers.
02 - Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks and diced onion, stirring occasionally until softened but not browned, approximately 7 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in diced potatoes, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
05 - Remove bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup in batches to a blender, purée, and return to pot.
06 - Stir in milk or cream and heat gently until warmed through without boiling. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Add a swirl of cream or olive oil if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, yet tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • The creaminess happens naturally from the potatoes themselves, making it feel indulgent without being heavy.
  • One pot means fewer dishes to face after dinner, which honestly might be the best part.
02 -
  • Don't skip thoroughly cleaning the leeks—I learned this the hard way on my second attempt when someone bit down on sand midway through a spoonful.
  • Whole potatoes hold together better than pre-cut ones, and Yukon Golds make the soup naturally creamy in a way russets simply can't replicate.
03 -
  • Don't peel your potatoes if you're using an immersion blender and blending until completely smooth—the peels disappear into creaminess anyway and add nutrients.
  • Taste the soup before you add all the seasonings; each potato variety has different starch content, which affects how much salt and pepper the dish needs.
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