Potato and leek soup is comforting and tasty any time of year. By merging the creaminess of potatoes with the gentle flavour of leeks, you have a deliciously substantial soup. This post looks at a couple of lovely, different versions of this classic recipe, so anyone can enjoy a comforting bowl, just the way they like it!
Traditional Potato and Leek Soup
This is a vintage way to start because the flavours are so simple, yet yummy. Here, freshness is the point that highlights this popular dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large unpeeled and cubed potatoes
- 2 large washed leeks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- First, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and leeks and cook until soft.
- Add the potatoes and combine to coat, using a spatula or spoon to mix potatoes with buttery drizzle.
- Add stock and bring to a lively simmer.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Turn off the heat and puree the soup until smooth.
- Put it back in the pot, and add more milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
- Creamy Potato and Leek Soup are hearty and will warm your belly on a cosy night.
Vegan Potato and Leek Soup
If you want to skip the animal products, this vegan version gives you all the cosy vibes. A few easy swaps keep it just as comforting as ever.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 321 large leeks, washed and cut into rounds
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- In a pot, heat olive oil on your stove over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks and cook, stirring, until softened.
- Add the potatoes, and stir to coat them with the spices.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Turn down the heat and cover the soup with a lid for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
- Pulse until smooth, then back in the pot.
- Add coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper.
- Made without any dairy, this creamy potato and leek soup is a fantastic introduction to vegan eating for both vegans and non-vegans.
Bacon, Potato and Leek Soup
Bacon adds a whole new level of smoky goodness to the classic recipe, which is a rich topping for anyone who wants a bit of richness in their stuffing.
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 large leeks, to be washed and cut into slices
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp. Take them out and set them aside and leave the drippings.
- Next, stir in the onions and then the leeks, which have been cooked in the same pot until they wilt.
- Add the potatoes, mixing well to soak up all those delicious flavours.
- Pour in chicken stock, heating the soup to a low simmer.
- Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
- Puree the soup until smooth, then put it back in a pot.
- Add some milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper.
- Top individual servings with the crispy bacon bits.
- Creamy yet smoky, this potato and leek soup is a yummy dinner.
Spicy Potato and Leek Soup
If you enjoy some spice, this hot version gives you lots of flavour. This family recipe just gets a little kick, and it reaches another level.
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, diced and peeled
- 2 large leeks trimmed and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Add butter to a pot and heat over medium. Then add in the onions (brown and/or green would work) and leeks, stirring until softened.
- Add potatoes, then stir in chilli powder & paprika, mix well.
- Stir in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
- Puree the soup, and pour it back into the pot.
- Stir in some milk or cream, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
This is the spicy potato and leek soup you need for those cool, wet days when you would like something warming, where you leave feeling invigorated.
See also: The Easiest Way to Make a Perfect Crispy Potato Cake
Conclusion
Potato and leek soup is very versatile. It can be made vegetarian or completely plant-based and very mild or seasoned according to taste. From bacon and spice to traditional and vegan, there are countless variations, each adding an exciting twist to a favourite classic. From cosy classics to eight-weeks-after-breakup-in-a-giant-sweatshirt soups, rest assured, there is a bowl for that.