Ingredients
Soup
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 leeks (white and pale green parts only), sliced thinly (about 2 cups)
- 1 kg / 2 lb potatoes (Sebago, Russet or Maris Piper), peeled and diced into 1″/2.5 cm cubes
- 1.5 litre / 1.5 qt low sodium chicken or vegetable stock (6 cups)
- 3/4 cup heavy/thickened cream (or substitute milk)
- 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (reduce table salt by 25%)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Croutons
- 2 thick slices bread, torn into crouton size pieces
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil spray
- Pinch of salt
Garnish
- Fresh chives, finely chopped
- Extra cream for drizzling
Instructions
- Sauté: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced leeks, and sauté gently for 7 minutes until the leeks are soft and have a sweet aroma.
- Simmer: Add the peeled and diced potatoes along with the chicken or vegetable stock to the pot. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are very soft and beginning to fall apart.
- Minimal blitz: Turn off the stove. Using a stick blender, puree the soup just until smooth but avoid over-blending to retain a pleasant texture.
- Season: Stir in salt and black pepper to taste, then gently mix through the cream for richness.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with extra cream, sprinkle with finely chopped chives, and top with homemade croutons.
- Make Croutons: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced. Drizzle torn bread pieces with melted butter or spray with olive oil and spread on a baking tray. Bake for 5 minutes or until golden and crunchy. Remove and sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
Notes
- Use only the white and pale green parts of the leeks for a milder flavor and better texture.
- Starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper work best to create a creamy consistency when cooked and pureed.
- Do not over-blend the soup to keep some body and prevent it from becoming gluey.
- Low sodium stock is recommended to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- You can substitute cream with milk for a lighter version, though the texture will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British