Flavor Friday - Potato Leek Soup

A classic, creamy soup featuring tender potatoes and delicate leeks. This comforting dish is simple to make and perfect for chilly days!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

• 2 large leeks, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 cup water (if needed to adjust consistency)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)

• 1 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk (for a dairy-free version)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Leeks

• Cut off the dark green parts of the leeks and discard or save for broth.

• Slice the white and light green parts thinly.

• Rinse in a bowl of cold water, swishing to remove dirt. Drain and pat dry.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the leeks and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Potatoes

• Add the potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Blend the Soup

• Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.

• Alternatively, transfer in batches to a countertop blender and blend carefully.

• If the soup is too thick, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

5. Add the Cream

• Stir in the heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk for a creamy texture.

• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve & Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

• Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for Success

✔ For extra depth of flavor, sauté the leeks until lightly golden.

✔ Want a chunkier texture? Blend only half the soup and leave some potato pieces intact.

✔ Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk or omitting the cream entirely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh sourdough bread or whole-grain crackers.

• Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

• Top with crisp bacon bits or shredded cheese for added richness.