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Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup

Silky Leek and Potato Soup with Fresh Chives

There's something magical about the way leeks transform when cooked slowly — their sharp bite mellows into pure sweetness that marries perfectly with creamy Yukon potatoes. This soup achieves that restaurant-quality silkiness at home, with just enough texture to remind you these are real vegetables, not powder from a packet.

DinnerSoupVegetarianComfort FoodFallWinter
Prep15 min
Cook35 min
Total50 min
Servings6
Difficultyeasy

Nutrition

fat7g
carbs28g
protein4g
calories185

Ingredients

  • 3 largelarge leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced (save the dark greens for stock)
  • 2 lbYukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbspunsalted butter
  • 6 cupvegetable broth, low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cupheavy cream
  • 1 tspkosher salt
  • ½ tspfreshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbspfresh chives, finely chopped(optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Let it foam up briefly — this releases moisture and concentrates the flavor — then settle into a gentle sizzle.
    2 min
  2. Add the sliced leeks and stir to coat with butter. Cook until they're completely soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Don't let them brown — you want sweet, not caramelized flavors here.
    8 min
  3. Dump in the cubed potatoes and pour the broth over everything. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. The potatoes should be mostly covered by liquid — add a splash more broth or water if needed.
    5 min
  4. Lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook until the potatoes break apart easily when pressed with a spoon. They should be completely tender, almost falling apart — this ensures a smooth blend.
    20 min
  5. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth, or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer more texture. Work in sections to avoid splattering hot soup everywhere.
    3 min
  6. Stir in the cream, salt, and pepper, then heat gently until steaming hot. Taste and adjust seasoning — the soup should be creamy and well-seasoned but not overpowering. Don't let it boil or the cream might curdle.
    5 min
  7. Ladle into bowls and scatter fresh chives over the top if using. The bright green color and mild onion bite make the perfect finishing touch.