Classic Creamy Potato Leek Soup (Printable Version)

Silky potatoes and tender leeks blended into a comforting French classic, ready in under an hour.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), thoroughly 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)

# Directions:

01 - Slice leeks lengthwise, then into thin half-moons. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any grit between layers.
02 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks and onion, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, approximately 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 20–25 minutes 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 and heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with chives or parsley. Add a swirl of cream or drizzle of olive oil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Pure Comfort: The creamy blend of Yukon Gold potatoes and cream creates a rich, satisfying texture.
  • Simple & Healthy: Made with fresh vegetables and low-sodium broth, providing a nutritious 6g of protein per serving.
  • Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep and simple techniques, this dish is perfect for cooks of all levels.
02 -
  • Thorough Rinsing: Leeks grow in sandy soil; always rinse the sliced half-moons in a bowl of water to ensure no grit ruins the smooth texture.
  • Temperature Control: Never let the soup reach a rolling boil after adding the milk or cream, as this can cause the dairy to separate.
  • Safety First: If using a standard blender instead of an immersion one, blend in small batches and leave the vent open (covered with a towel) to let steam escape safely.
Go Back