Description
Creamy Irish potato leek soup whispers comfort from Celtic kitchens, blending rustic ingredients with delicate flavors. Hearty potatoes and tender leeks dance together, inviting you to savor a warm embrace of traditional Irish culinary warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (preferably Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 4 cups (0.95 liters) vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 large leeks, cleaned and chopped (white and light green parts only)
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat at 350°F, carefully sautéing chopped leeks until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce diced potatoes to the leek mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute heat evenly and allow potatoes to slightly caramelize for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour vegetable or chicken broth into the pot, ensuring ingredients are completely submerged, then gradually increase heat to bring liquid to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, allowing soup to simmer uncovered for 18-22 minutes until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove pot from heat and utilize an immersion blender to puree the mixture into a smooth, creamy consistency, ensuring no chunky potato pieces remain.
- Return pot to low heat, incorporating heavy cream and seasoning with salt and pepper, stirring carefully to integrate flavors without scorching.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with a delicate swirl of additional cream and a sprinkle of finely chopped chives for visual appeal and fresh herbal notes.
Notes
- Enhance leek flavor by gently caramelizing them in butter, creating a deeper, richer taste profile for the soup.
- Reduce dairy for lighter version by substituting heavy cream with low-fat milk or vegetable broth, maintaining creamy texture without excess calories.
- Use immersion blender carefully to prevent hot soup splatters, blending in gentle, controlled motions for smooth consistency without kitchen mess.
- Customize soup with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, roasted garlic, or smoked paprika to elevate basic recipe and add personal culinary flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg