Potato leek soup

Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 large leeks (white and light green parts only), roughly chopped (≈5 cups)
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 7 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Chives, finely chopped (for serving)
Utensils
- Large soup pot with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (or standard blender)
- Ladle
- Knife and cutting board
Information
- Cost: $$
- Prep & cook time: ~50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (≈350 g each)
Preparation Method
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add leeks and garlic, cooking for about 10 minutes until soft and wilted, stirring regularly. Do not brown.
- Add potatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to low heat. Simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are very soft.
- Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Purée soup with an immersion blender until smooth. (If using a standard blender, purée in batches; do not overfill.)
- Stir in heavy cream and bring back to a simmer. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If too thin, simmer to thicken; if too thick, add water or broth.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Freezer Tip: Soup can be frozen (without cream) for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge, reheat, then add cream before serving.