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Close up shot of Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup

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  • Author: Shelagh
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 mintues
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Main meal soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Irish

Description

Spring has sprung, and this soup is perfect for the crisper weather.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons of delicious, golden, Irish butter
  • 2 cups chopped leeks*, white and light green parts (about 2 small leeks)
  • 1 onion, chopped (about a cup)
  • 4 garlic cloves, whole
  • 6 fresh thyme sprigs (tie in a bundle with kitchen twine, so you can fish them out easily)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (affiliate link)
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, about 3, diced (I leave the skins on…)
  • 1/4 cup of oats
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg or a few scratches of fresh
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks, onions, garlic, and thyme sprigs (you’ll fish them out later), and season with a good pinch of kosher salt (affiliate link), and several grinds of pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
  2. Stir in the white wine vinegar and Dijon, and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds, and then add the chicken stock, potatoes and oats. Sprinkle (or grate) in the nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes until potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Let cool slightly. Pluck out the thyme sprigs, then transfer the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth. Take care when blending the hot soup, it expands and can go all over your kitchen. Place a towel over the lid, just in case, and work in batches if necessary. 
  4.  Return the smooth soup to the pot and add the milk. Return to a simmer, season to taste with more salt and pepper.

Crispy Fried Leeks can be purchased in many grocery stores and are a tasty garnish. Completely optional, of course!


Notes

*see the video above on how to clean the grit and sand from your leeks. use the tender white and light green/yellow parts, save the dark, tougher tops for soup stock.