Creamy Leek Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish) Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced leeks and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the leeks are softened and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced potatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Creamy Leek Soup hot, garnished with fresh chives.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Leeks — Make sure to thoroughly wash the leeks before slicing them, as they can often have dirt trapped between their layers.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a tangy twist.
• Garnish the soup with crispy croutons for added texture.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some of the sautéed leeks and diced potatoes before pureeing and add them back into the soup after blending.
• This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Leek Soup as a comforting appetizer or as a light main course. Pair it with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

When serving the Creamy Leek Soup, ladle it into individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives. For an elegant touch, drizzle a swirl of sour cream on top of the soup and use a toothpick to create a decorative pattern.