Eating for Pennies. Potato Leek Soup

Potato leek soup is a delicious and comforting dish. Here's a simple recipe to make potato leek soup that everyone will enjoy.  

Ingredients:

3 to 4 medium-sized leeks

4 to 5 medium-sized potatoes

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream or milk (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the leeks: Trim off the dark green tops and the root ends of the leeks. Slice the leeks lengthwise, then rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand between the layers. Slice the leeks into thin half-moons.

• Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes or slices. The size of the pieces will determine the cooking time and texture of the soup. Smaller pieces will cook faster and result in a smoother soup.

• Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, and once the butter has melted, add the sliced leeks. Sauté the leeks for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

• Add the potatoes to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, making sure it covers the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a fork.

• Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, blend the soup in batches and be careful not to overfill the blender with hot liquid.

• Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or milk if desired. Heat the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Be careful not to boil the soup once the cream/milk has been added to prevent curdling.

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

• Serve the potato leek soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade potato leek soup!