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My Family's Favorite Leek and Potato Soup
My kitchen fills with the most wonderful aroma whenever I make this leek and potato soup. Its velvety texture and rich flavors bring warmth to our table especially during these chilly winter months. After countless bowls shared with family and friends this recipe has become my go to comfort food.
Why This Soup Works
The magic happens when sweet leeks and tender potatoes come together in this soup. I love how the gentle cooking transforms simple ingredients into something so luxuriously creamy. A touch of cheese takes it over the top making each spoonful pure comfort.
What You Need
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the leeks and onions.
- Leeks: 2, cleaned and chopped, adding a mild onion flavor.
- Onion: ½ cup, chopped, for a savory base.
- Potatoes: 6, peeled and cubed, for a creamy and hearty texture.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, as the flavorful liquid base.
- Half-and-Half: 1 cup, for creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese: 4 ounces, shredded, optional but adds richness.
- Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped, for freshness.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for added depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Starting with the Base
First things first melt your butter in your biggest soup pot. Once it starts bubbling toss in those lovely leeks and onions. I love watching them slowly turn soft and sweet about 5 minutes is perfect.
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Building the Soup
Next in go your potatoes and broth. Let everything bubble away until those potatoes turn tender usually takes about 25 minutes. The kitchen starts smelling amazing at this point.
Making it Silky
Pour in that half and half and watch the magic happen. The soup transforms into this gorgeous silky creation. Let it simmer another 15 minutes to bring all those flavors together.
The Final Touch
Now comes my favorite part. Sprinkle in the cheese parsley and garlic powder. Give it a good stir until the cheese melts into ribbons of goodness. Season it until it tastes just right.
Time to Eat
Ladle the soup into bowls while it's piping hot. I love adding an extra pinch of parsley and cheese on top. Grab some crusty bread for dunking you won't want to miss a drop.
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Saving for Later
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 3 days. Sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to mingle.
Stock Your Freezer
My secret for busy nights is keeping a stash in the freezer. Once it cools pack it up and it'll stay good for 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight when you're ready for another bowl.
Good and Good for You
Each bowl packs 364 calories and 12 grams of protein. Plus all those veggies give you plenty of vitamins. It's comfort food you can feel good about serving.
Kitchen Wisdom
Take your time cleaning those leeks dirt loves hiding in there. If you want your soup extra smooth mash up some potatoes right in the pot. Works like a charm every time.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I crisp up some bacon to sprinkle on top or stir in leftover ham. Want to keep it veggie? Just swap in some vegetable broth. Dairy free? Coconut milk works surprisingly well.
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Winter Comfort
Nothing beats coming in from the cold to a pot of this soup simmering away. The aroma fills the whole house making everything feel cozy and warm.
Everyone's Favorite
My kids who usually turn their nose up at vegetables happily slurp this up. Its creamy texture wins over even the pickiest eaters in our family.
Sunday Meal Prep
I often double the recipe on Sundays. It means quick warming dinners all week long. Plus the flavors just keep getting better day after day.
Quick Answers
Can I use other potatoes? Sure can Yukon Golds are my second favorite. No half and half? Mix whole milk with a splash of cream it works just as well.
Perfect Partners
We love this soup with thick slices of garlic bread or alongside roasted veggies. On lighter days a crisp salad makes it complete.
Extra Hungry?
When my teenagers are extra hungry I top their bowls with shredded chicken. Sometimes I'll add a poached egg it makes such a lovely rich soup even more filling.
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A Bowl of Love
This soup has become more than just dinner in our house. It's comfort in a bowl memories of cozy winter nights and the perfect way to show love to family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I clean leeks properly?
- Slice leeks lengthwise and rinse between layers thoroughly as dirt often hides there. Only use white and light green parts.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well. Russets will give a more mealy texture, Yukons stay firmer.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, but freeze before adding cream and cheese. Add dairy when reheating for best results.
- → What can I substitute for half-and-half?
- Use whole milk for lighter soup or heavy cream for richer texture. Plant-based cream also works.