Creamy Leek Soup

Ingredients

• 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced (500g) 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced (500g)
• 2 tablespoons butter (30g) 2 tablespoons butter (30g)
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced leeks to the pot and cook until they become soft and tender, about 10 minutes.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Leeks — Make sure to thoroughly clean the leeks as they can often have dirt trapped between their layers. Slice them thinly for a quicker cooking time and easier blending.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lighter cream alternative.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.
• Garnish with crispy croutons or a drizzle of olive oil for added texture and flavor.
• This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme or nutmeg to add a unique twist to the soup.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Leek Soup as a comforting starter or pair it with a crusty bread for a light and satisfying meal. It can also be served alongside a fresh salad for a complete and wholesome lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of cream on top of the soup and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of paprika. Serve it in elegant soup bowls or small individual cups for an appetizing visual appeal.