How to Make Creamy Potato Leek Soup
When it comes to making a delicious and comforting soup, potato leek soup is a classic choice. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a cozy night in. Here’s how you can make this creamy soup from scratch:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the crispy potato skins later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Leeks
Begin by trimming off the root ends of the leeks and slicing them thinly. Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt. Once cleaned, set the leeks aside for later use.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin pieces. Place the potato peels in cold water to prevent discoloration while you work on the soup.
Step 4: Make the Soup
In a soup pot, melt butter and add the sliced leeks, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the leeks are softened but not browned. Add broth, potatoes, and bay leaf, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Make the Crispy Skins
While the soup is simmering, drain the potato peels and pat them dry. Toss them with olive oil and salt, then bake until crispy. Set aside for later use as a crunchy topping for the soup.
Step 6: Finish the Soup
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and blend it to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice, a dollop of sour cream, chives, and crispy potato skins on top.
Step 7: Serving and Storage
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toppings. Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, keeping the toppings separate.
Pro Tip: When shopping for leeks, keep in mind that sizes can vary. Feel free to adjust the amount of leeks used based on what you find at the store.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of potato leek soup anytime. Give it a try and savor the delicious flavors of this classic dish!