Irish leek and potato (Printable)
Velvety mix of leeks and potatoes offers a comforting, creamy bowl ideal for cool weather.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids
06 - 4 cups vegetable stock
07 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Seasonings
08 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
09 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
# Steps:
01 - Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion, and sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned.
02 - Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
05 - Remove the bay leaf. For a chunky soup, lightly mash some of the potatoes with a spoon. For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree until silky.
06 - Stir in the milk and heat gently for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The way leeks melt into sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that feels like hours of work but takes just minutes
- A creamy texture that comes from the potatoes themselves, making heavy cream entirely optional
02 -
- Leeks hide soil between their layers, so slice them lengthwise first and swish them in cold water before chopping
- Over-blending can make potato soup gummy, so pulse gently and stop as soon as it reaches your desired consistency
03 -
- Start with cold potatoes and cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and finish at the same time
- Let the soup cool slightly before blending if using a regular blender to avoid steam buildup and potential splatters