Vellutata di Porri con Crostini Saporiti
Category: Soups and First Courses
Serves: 4
A warm and velvety leek soup paired with crispy, fragrant croutons โ this Vellutata di Porri con Crostini Saporiti is the perfect comforting dish for any season. Its delicate, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, herb-infused croutons. The combination of leeks, potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a rich flavor profile, making it a hearty and satisfying first course. The addition of homemade croutons seasoned with rosemary, sweet paprika, fennel, and oregano elevates the dish with a delightful crunch and an extra touch of fragrance. Whether served as a starter for a dinner party or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this leek soup will surely warm both your heart and soul.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Leeks | 600g |
| Potatoes | 300g |
| Vegetable broth | 500g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 60g |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Fresh thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Bread (preferably rustic) | 100g |
| Fresh rosemary | to taste |
| Sweet paprika | to taste |
| Wild fennel | to taste |
| Oregano | to taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 225 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Potassium | 600mg |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Leeks: Begin by cleaning the leeks. Trim off the green part and remove the outermost layer. Slice the remaining leek into thin rounds, then cut these rounds into small cubes to help them cook evenly.
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Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook them gently until softened, about 5-7 minutes. While the leeks are cooking, peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
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Simmer the Soup: Once the leeks have softened, add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir in the black pepper and fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until both the leeks and potatoes are completely tender. The potatoes should break apart easily when pierced with a fork.
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Blend the Soup: Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully remove the thyme sprigs, then use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. If you prefer an even smoother texture, you can pass the soup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain out any remaining bits of vegetable.
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Make the Herb-Infused Croutons: While the soup is simmering, prepare the croutons. Start by preheating the oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle over the rosemary, sweet paprika, wild fennel, and oregano. Toss everything together to coat the bread cubes evenly with the oil and herbs.
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Toast the Croutons: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Be sure to toss them halfway through for an even toasting.
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Serve and Garnish: Once the croutons are done, ladle the creamy leek soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous handful of the crispy, aromatic croutons. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of additional herbs if desired.
Tips and Variations:
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For a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a richer, creamier soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk after blending. Stir it in gently over low heat until well combined.
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Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the vegetable broth for a plant-based broth and use vegan bread for the croutons, ensuring that all ingredients are free from animal products.
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Customize the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley, sage, or basil for the croutons or the soup to suit your personal taste.
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Add Garlic: For an added layer of flavor, try adding a couple of minced garlic cloves to the leeks when they are sautรฉing in the olive oil.
This Vellutata di Porri con Crostini Saporiti is a perfect dish to serve on any occasion. The creamy, comforting soup combined with the flavorful, crispy croutons makes for a delightful first course. Itโs simple enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner but also elegant enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Whether youโre celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy meal, this soup will surely be a hit!
