Potato Leek Soup is a classic comfort dish that brings cozy vibes to any chilly day. With creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, tender leeks, and savory broth, it’s the kind of bowl you’ll want to wrap your hands around. Whether blended silky smooth or left slightly chunky, this soup offers deep, mellow flavor that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—just a few humble ingredients transform into a velvety soup that’s perfect as a starter or light meal. And with options to make it vegan, dairy-free, or ultra-creamy, it’s easy to tailor it to your tastes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
- 🍃 Vegetarian and dairy-flexible options
- 🥣 Can be silky smooth or rustic and chunky
- ❄️ Freezes well for future cozy lunches
- ⏱ Ready in under an hour
Ingredients
- 3 large leeks (white and light green parts only), halved and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup whole milk, cream, or plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: chives, olive oil drizzle, or croutons
Instructions
- Prep the leeks: After slicing, soak leeks in a bowl of water to remove grit. Drain and pat dry.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large soup pot, melt butter or heat oil over medium. Add leeks and cook 6–8 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and thyme, sauté 1 minute more.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Blend or mash: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your preferred consistency. For a rustic texture, mash partially or blend only half.
- Add milk and finish: Stir in milk or cream. Simmer 5 more minutes. Add lemon juice if using. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with chives, olive oil, or crusty bread.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French-Inspired, Vegetarian
Tips & Variations
💡 Tips:
- Wash leeks thoroughly—dirt hides between layers!
- Use Yukon Gold for a naturally creamy texture
- Blend in batches if you don’t have an immersion blender
🔄 Variations:
- Vegan: Use olive oil + unsweetened oat or almond milk
- Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup heavy cream in place of milk
- Hearty Add-In: Add chopped kale or white beans before simmering
- Herby Twist: Add bay leaf or rosemary while simmering (remove before blending)
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze Potato Leek Soup?
Yes—freeze before adding dairy. Add cream or milk after reheating.
Q: What’s the best potato to use?
Yukon Golds are ideal, but russets or red potatoes also work.
Q: Can I use the green parts of the leek?
Use the light green parts only. Dark green tops can be used for making stock, but they’re too tough for soup.
Potato Leek Soup
Equipment
- – Soup pot
- – Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- – 3 large leeks white/light green parts, thinly sliced
- – 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 2 tsp thyme fresh or ½ tsp dried
- – 1½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled & diced
- – 4 cups vegetable broth
- – 1 cup milk cream, or non-dairy milk
- – 1 tbsp lemon juice optional
- – Salt & pepper to taste
- – Garnish: chives olive oil, croutons
Instructions
- Soak sliced leeks in water to remove grit. Drain well.
- Sauté leeks in butter/oil 6–8 minutes. Add garlic & thyme, cook 1 minute.
- Add potatoes & broth. Simmer 20 minutes until potatoes are soft.
- Blend soup to desired texture.
- Stir in milk. Simmer 5 minutes. Add lemon juice (optional), salt & pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
– Freeze before adding dairy
– Add kale or beans for extra heartiness
Conclusion
Potato Leek Soup is a soul-soothing bowl of goodness—simple, rich, and incredibly customizable. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, prepping for the week, or starting a cozy dinner party, this timeless soup always delivers comfort. Don’t forget the crusty bread or homemade croutons for the perfect bite!