Potato and leek soup is one of the most classic comfort foods out there. It's creamy and savory, hearty and comforting - everything you want in a soup on a cold winter night. It's also incredibly easy to make and can be enjoyed as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or a side dish to almost any meal.
This creamy potato and leek soup recipe is simple, flavorful, and will leave you feeling satisfied. The ingredients are straightforward and the dish comes together in no time. The combination of potatoes and cream, combined with leeks, garlic and herbs, make this soup the perfect balance of savory and creamy. It's the perfect soup to cozy up to on a cold winter's day or to enjoy as an easy weeknight dinner.
Once you have the ingredients ready, this creamy potato and leek soup comes together quickly and easily. The result is a flavorful and comforting soup that is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
Ingredient Checklist
- Large Red Potatoes. The potatoes are working to thicken the soup, while also acting as the soup’s base. Keeping the skin on the potatoes will help to add a ‘rustic’ and ‘earthy’ flavor to the soup.
- Leeks. A mild onion-like vegetable, leeks are a great way to add color and ‘oniony sweetness’ to a recipe. They should be cleaned and the dark ends should be removed before slicing them into the soup.
- Garlic. For pungency, aroma, and savory depth. Today’s soup is one instance where you’ll want to chop the garlic as finely as you can manage.
- Fresh Italian Parsley. This adds color and ‘herbal flavor’ to the soup. Be sure to remove the stems before chopping.
- Butter. Simply put “Fat is flavor.” The butter works not only to add texture to the soup, but also a background ‘buttery’ flavor that melds deliciously with the potatoes.
- Carrots. Aside from being a hardy root vegetable with an instantly familiar flavor, they also add a subtle sweetness to the soup. Peel, rinse, and dice before adding to the soup.
- Celery. Not a whole lot to say here. Celery brings a fibrous texture, vegetal flavor, and some nice color contrast to the soup. Be sure to slice it as thinly as possible before adding it to the soup.
- All-Purpose Seasoning. I’m using Vegeta All-Purpose seasoning and soup mix. This is my all-purpose seasoning of choice, and also doubles as a decent stock base.
- Salt. Plain table salt is all you need, or your Sea Salt of choice if you’re feeling fancy. Salt helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the soup.
- Black Pepper. Plain ground pepper. If you ‘really’ want to get fancy, start with whole peppercorns, and grind those in a mortar and pestle. The difference in aroma and flavor is quite significant.
- Dried Oregano. Pro-tip time. Always opt for dried oregano over fresh, unless a recipe explicitly says to use fresh oregano.
- Olive Oil. As always, I suggest a decent quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Water. The liquid of the soup. Note a whole lot to say here.
- Whole Milk. I strongly suggest using whole milk, as it works to thicken the soup, while also bringing a nice touch of sweetness and ‘fatty flavor.’
Pairing Suggestions
- Wine: A dry, light-bodied white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would pair well with this leak and potato soup. The light acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the soup, while its notes of citrus and green apple will provide a nice contrast to the soup’s savory flavors.
- Crusty French Bread: A classic French bread would pair perfectly with a hearty bowl of leak and potato soup.
- Caesar Salad: A light and refreshing Caesar salad is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of leak and potato soup. The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing help to balance out the rich soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A rich grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing for leak and potato soup. The combination of melted cheese, crunchy bread, and savory soup is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
- Bacon Bits: Sprinkling crunchy bacon bits on top of your leak and potato soup adds a delicious smoky flavor and texture to the soup.
- Garlic Toast: A crunchy piece of garlic toast is the perfect companion to a bowl of leak and potato soup. The garlic and crunchy texture of the toast provide a great contrast to the soft and creamy soup.
Potato Leek Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 - 5 large red potatoes - with skin
- 3 leeks - cleaned - dark ends removed and sliced thin
- 4 - 5 cloves of garlic - chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh Italian parsley - stems removed and chopped
- 1/2 stick of butter (4 tbs.)
- 2 carrots - diced
- 4 stalks celery - sliced thin
- 2 1/2 tbs. Vegeta All purpose seasoning and soup mix
- 2 1/2 tbs. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 2 tbs. olive oil
- 5 - 6 cups of water
- 2 cups milk
- Crostini or Homemade Croutons for serving
- Crisp bacon slices for topping the soup
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes until fork tender; drain and set aside.
- Heat a large soup pot with the olive oil and butter. Add the sliced leeks, carrots, celery and garlic and gently sauté until the leeks cook down a bit.
- Add the potatoes and gently mash down with a potato masher.
- Add the water and the Vegeta seasoning, salt, black pepper and dried oregano and gently simmer on a low heat for about 20 – 25 minutes or so.
- Add the milk and the chopped parsley and simmer on a low heat for another 10 – 12 minutes or so.
- Taste for seasoning to see if you need more salt or not.
- Serve with fresh Croutons or Crostini and crumbled crisp bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
We hope you enjoyed learning how to make this warming, delicious Potato and Leek Soup. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold winter night or a light lunch on a summer afternoon, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to make the recipe uniquely yours, or try adding in chop meat or sausages to the mix.
If you made our recipe, or have suggestions for future content, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from you! Enjoy!
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Gloria Roa Baker says
Love soups! and this looks wonderful!! hugs!
DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, The soup looks delicious. My only question is what would it be like without leeks? I like everything else it this recipe but I just don't care for leeks...much to my wife's disgust. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Catherine says
Dear Dave,
You can always use onions in place of leeks or mushrooms and it would be like a creamy mushroom soup .
Have a wonderful day.
Take care,
Catherine
angiesrecipes says
The soup looks so warming and comforting! Perfect for the season, Catherine.
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says
So comforting on a cold winter day! A delicious classic that is always appreciated -meatless like that- at our table.
Veena Azmanov says
This is such a classic and so perfect for this weather. We love potato soup and we love leeks so this would be such a favorite.
allie says
Hi Catherine, what a lovely, simple soup for a cold day. I too am in that limbo after Thanksgiving and before Christmas...inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale. My sister brought me a bunch of leeks at Thanksgiving, along with her bourbon pecan pie.... so I am in good pantry shape to make this soup. The wind is whistling and I look forward to cozying up by the fire with a bowl of this creamy soup. Cheers my friend, wishing you a beautiful Christmas season ahead with your beautiful family! XO
Kelly Anthony says
Leeks don't get enough love in the kitchen. So glad you brought them into this soup! It's a perfect combination of flavors!
lauren says
I'm feeling cozy just looking at all these photos! Potato and leek soup is so creamy and comforting for the colder weather months. Especially with those homemade crostini to dip and scoop up all the goodness in that bowl.
Karyl Henry says
I've never cooked with leeks before, but I know they have a very nice flavor, and this soup looks wonderful. I really like that you can enjoy it meatless, or with bacon/sausage. Great way to add versatilty to the dish
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
Potato leak soup is one of my favourite things! But somehow I have never made it before. Definitely on my to-do list!
Sri Mallya says
Perfect for the cold weather here. Looks so delicious. I will try this soon. Pinned!
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
The hubs and I have been on a streak trying new soup recipes. This week we made chicken tortilla soup and beef stew. I want to try this potato leek soup with all the leftover potatoes we have from the stew.
Holly says
This does look so creamy and comforting! Its perfect for this time of year when you just want something warm and delicious!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Potato and leek soup is one of my favourites this time of year! Yours looks so creamy and rich. Can't wait to give it a try very soon!
Jagruti Dhanecha says
I am always on a hunt for delicious, easy and comforting soup recipes and your sounds so delicious. It's creamy and rich! Bookmarking
Jacque Hastert says
I love this soup! I will be making it for dinner tonight and I am already drooling, just thinking about it.
Beth says
This looks so good! I love soups like this during the winter. This looks so cozy and tasty.
★★★★★
Claudia Lamascolo says
That soup looks fanastic I would love a big bowl of that on this cool day so comforting!
★★★★★
Claudia Krusch says
Such a great recipe for winter! I can't wait to try it!
★★★★★
Chad says
I love potato leek soup before and loved it! I can't wait to make your recipe, it is super easy to follow. Thank you so much....