Creamy Potato Leek Soup (Printable)

Rich and comforting blend of potatoes, leeks, and cream finished with aromatic herbs

# What You 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 into thin half-moons. Rinse thoroughly to remove any grit.
02 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and onion, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 7 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in potatoes, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender.
05 - Remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and purée, then return to the pot.
06 - Stir in milk or cream. Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives or parsley and a swirl of cream or olive oil if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The velvety texture comes from Yukon Gold potatoes that practically melt into the broth, no fancy thickeners needed.
  • Even my pickiest dinner guests have requested the recipe after tasting this deceptively simple soup that somehow tastes like it took all day to make.
02 -
  • Never boil the soup after adding cream or milk it will separate and give your soup an unpleasant grainy texture that cant be fixed.
  • The soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator overnight.
03 -
  • If youre short on time, you can skip peeling the potatoes as long as theyre well scrubbed the skins add a rustic texture and extra nutrients.
  • For the silkiest possible texture, pass the blended soup through a fine-mesh strainer before adding the cream this restaurant technique elevates an everyday soup to something truly special.
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