One-Pot & Pantry Meals
Simple Potato and Leek Soup
A smooth, mild soup with a short ingredient list and no need for cream.
Potatoes give this soup a creamy texture even without dairy. Leeks supply a softer onion flavor, making the finished bowl mild enough to pair with a strongly flavored toast or sandwich.
The most important preparation step is washing the leeks. Soil can hide between their layers. Slice them first, then rinse well and check the pieces before they go into the pot.
THE RECIPE
Simple Potato and Leek Soup
Amounts scale automatically. Keep piece sizes similar; pan size and cooking time may need adjustment. Round whole ingredients sensibly.
Ingredients
Method
Wash the leeks
Put sliced leeks in a bowl of water, move them around, then lift into a colander so dirt stays behind. Rinse and drain.
Soften gently
Warm oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook leeks for 7–8 minutes, stirring, until soft without browning.
Simmer the potatoes
Add potatoes and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
Blend and season
Blend with a hand blender until smooth, taking care with hot liquid. Add pepper and salt to taste, thin with water if needed, and finish with chives.
Small details that help
Use floury potatoes
They break down readily, although waxy potatoes still work with blending.
Keep the flavor light
Browned leeks change the soup into something sweeter and darker.
Do not over-blend
Stop once smooth. Aggressive blending can make potato soup sticky.
Substitutions & ways to make it yours
No leeks
Use two medium onions, sliced, for an onion-potato version.
Add dairy
Stir in a small splash of cream after blending, if you want.
Rustic finish
Mash potatoes in the pot instead of blending for a textured soup.
A couple of useful questions
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, though the texture can change slightly. Stir well while reheating and add liquid as needed.
Why is it bland?
Potatoes need adequate seasoning. Taste salt first, then consider a little lemon juice or extra pepper rather than adding more stock powder automatically.
