This comforting Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup is a classic that’s wonderfully creamy without a single drop of cream. It is made with tender leeks, starchy potatoes, and flavorful stock. The result is a smooth, velvety, and deeply savory soup that is perfect for a light lunch or a cozy winter starter and serves 4-6 people.
Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 large leeks, about 500g, white and light green parts only
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed or sliced
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 litre vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How To Make Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup
- Prepare the vegetables: First, wash the leeks thoroughly, as they can hold a lot of dirt. Trim off the dark green tops and the roots. Slice the leeks lengthwise, fan them open, and rinse under cold running water. Once clean, slice them finely.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and chopped onion. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft but not browned. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the soup: Add the chopped potatoes, vegetable stock, and thyme leaves to the pot. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Using a hand-held immersion blender, purée the soup directly in the pot until it is completely smooth and creamy. The starches from the potatoes will give the soup its velvety texture. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to purée, but be careful with hot liquids.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if you like.
Recipe Tips
- Clean Your Leeks Properly: This is a crucial step! Leeks are often gritty, so make sure to wash them thoroughly to avoid a sandy soup.
- Use Starchy Potatoes: For the best creamy texture, choose a starchy potato like a Russet or Maris Piper. These varieties break down easily when blended, creating a naturally thick and velvety soup.
- Don’t Over-Blend: While blending is what makes this soup creamy, be careful not to over-blend, as it can make the potato starch turn the soup a bit gummy or gluey.
- Season at the End: Potatoes can soak up a lot of salt. It’s best to season the soup a little at the start and then taste and adjust the salt and pepper right before serving.
What To Serve With Leek And Potato Soup
This simple, rustic soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a side salad. For a nice finishing touch, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top or sprinkle with some toasted croutons.
How To Store Leek And Potato Soup Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes very well. Once cooled, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of potato? You can, but the final texture may be different. Using a waxy potato like a new potato will result in a less creamy soup and might leave you with some small lumps.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. Sauté the leeks, onion, and garlic on the stovetop first. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker with the potatoes, stock, and seasoning. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours until the potatoes are tender. Blend and serve.
- What is the best way to get a smooth texture? Using a stick blender is the easiest way to get a smooth texture, as you can blend it all in one go. If using a regular blender, purée in small batches to avoid any accidents.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Red Pepper And Lentil Soup Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Mushroom Soup Recipe
Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup No Cream Recipe
Description
A Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup that is perfectly creamy without any cream! The potatoes naturally thicken the soup, making it a simple, healthy, and delicious classic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté: Cook leeks, onion, and garlic in a large pot until soft.
- Simmer: Add potatoes, stock, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Blend: Remove from heat and purée the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Serve: Season to taste and serve hot.
