Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Description:
Inspired by a delightful soup savored at the renowned Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, this Creamy Potato Leek Soup is a testament to simplicity meeting gourmet flavor. It’s a dish that effortlessly elevates any mealtime, offering a rich and comforting experience with each spoonful.
Recipe Overview:
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes |
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (from 76 reviews)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 386.2
- Fat: 18.6g
- Saturated Fat: 10.8g
- Cholesterol: 61.1mg
- Sodium: 1231.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.3g
- Fiber: 5.6g
- Sugars: 4.2g
- Protein: 11.8g
Key Attributes:
- Cuisine: European
- Dish Type: Soup
- Seasonality: Winter
- Total Time: Less than 60 minutes
- Cooking Method: Stove Top
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1/2 leek
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 potatoes
- 1 onion
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a vigorous boil over medium heat.
- Add Aromatics: Once boiling, introduce the sliced leeks, cubed potatoes, and chopped onion to the pot.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and allow the ingredients to simmer gently for approximately 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Season and Creamify: After the simmering period, stir in the pepper, salt, dried thyme, celery seed, and garlic powder. Then, pour in the heavy cream, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the broth and vegetables.
- Final Simmer: Let the soup continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Mash to Perfection: For a rustic touch, use a potato masher to lightly crush some of the potatoes, adjusting the texture to your preference while still leaving chunks for added depth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Creamy Potato Leek Soup into bowls, pairing it with a fresh salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Chef’s Tip: To enhance the flavor profile even further, consider garnishing each serving with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or a dollop of sour cream.
In summary, this Creamy Potato Leek Soup is a culinary masterpiece that marries simplicity with sophistication, offering a taste of gourmet indulgence in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly winter nights or any time you crave a comforting and nourishing meal, this recipe is a must-try for soup enthusiasts and foodies alike!
