Did you know that potato leek soup is a classic French cuisine? In France, potatoes became abundant in the 19th century. So, most recipes included potato back then and it became a favorite ingredient in French households. Leek was a national emblem in Wales since the 14th century. So, you can see that it is a traditional food in many regions. Its other name is 'vichyssoise'. The soup can be served both warm or cold.

Ingredients

• Olive oil or unsalted butter – 1 tablespoon
• Leeks - 2 thinly sliced
• Garlic – 6 cloves
• Bay leaves - 2
• Dried thyme – ½ tsp or fresh thyme – 3 sprigs
• Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes – 3 to 4 large cut into small pieces
• Vegetable broth
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Chives – for serving

More about the ingredients

You can use either Russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. A russet potato is large. Its skill is brown with few eyes on it. The white and soft flesh is ideal for cooking this soup. This potato is used to make mashed potatoes or French fries. The Yukon gold potatoes have a nutty flavor and buttery texture. These are great for frying, boiling, or roasting.

Cooking method

First, melt the butter in a soup pot or add olive oil. Put garlic and leeks, stirring them continuously for about 10 minutes. Wait till they become soft making sure they don't turn out brown. Leeks have an onion-like flavor, so it tastes sweet. This soup is also called onion soup by many. Then add the vegetable broth, cut potatoes, bay leaves and thyme. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika.

After bringing the contents to a boil, cover the pot and cook on low heat. After the potatoes become soft (might take about 15 minutes). Stop the flame and take out the bay leaves and thyme sprig (if you have used fresh thyme instead of the dried ones). Then blend the soup using a blender till you reach a smooth consistency.

Put the soup back in the soup pot. Add cream and cook for a few minutes on low flame. The soup will be a bit thick. Add extra seasoning if necessary and chopped chives before serving. You can also add herbs on top for an extra flavor. You can serve the soup with grilled or fried baguette slices. You can refrigerate the soup for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. When reheating add some vegetable broth to make the soup lighter.

Tips

You must buy leeks that have green leaves and white bulbs. You may find it difficult to clean the leeks. You need to cut off the root end first and then cut the green tops. Separate the leaves and wash everything thoroughly. You should cook the leek slowly to prevent it from changing color.

You must ensure that the potatoes are tender to get the best texture. You will also find it easy to blend with your handheld blender. If you don't like your soup to be too creamy, you can avoid using fresh cream. An alternative approach is to press potatoes through a ricer to give them a clean and light texture. You won't have the glueyness anymore.

You can experiment with parmesan cheese and chili flakes to make the soup cheesy and hot. If you are not a vegan then you can add a few fried bacon in the soup too. As the soup is heavy due to the mashed potatoes and bacon, you won't need to have any other dish to accompany the soup.

Health benefits

Leek is a great source of antioxidants. It is good for the eyes and bones. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis due to age or other reasons, you should have this soup regularly. It doesn't have any fat. So, your chance of having a stroke will be less. Whether it's a cold evening or a hot summer, you can cook this soup in any season.

This delicious soup is cholesterol-free, making it a healthy choice. It is a great dish for vegetarians. It is an everyday soup and you can easily prepare it within a short time for your family and friends. It takes about half an hour to cook and the amount of ingredients mentioned is enough to serve up to 6 people. The bright texture of the soup with the colorful seasoning and herbs on top will make you crave for it right away. You will be impressed by the taste of this mouth-watering creamy soup.