Description
Healthy Luscious Potato Leek Soup is a creamy, comforting, and nourishing soup made with tender potatoes, sweet sautéed leeks, garlic, fresh thyme, and a touch of sour cream for richness. This wholesome one-pot recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and delivers silky texture and deep flavor using simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large leeks (about 5 cups sliced, white and pale green parts)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or butter/ghee)
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken stock)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (or heavy cream)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or scallions, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice the leeks into 1/4-inch rounds using the white and pale green parts. Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add leeks, garlic, and thyme. Sauté gently for 8–10 minutes until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden.
- Add the sliced potatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy, being careful not to over-blend to avoid a gummy texture. Alternatively, blend in small batches in a countertop blender.
- Return the soup to low heat and whisk in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or scallions. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace sour cream with 1/2 cup soaked cashews blended into the soup or use dairy-free yogurt.
- Avoid over-blending to prevent the potatoes from becoming gluey.
- Freeze the soup without dairy for up to 3 months; add cream after reheating.
- Yukon Gold potatoes provide the creamiest texture, but red or russet potatoes also work.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/3 cups
- Calories: 198
- Sugar: 5.2 g
- Sodium: 784 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.1 g
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Protein: 2.8 g
- Cholesterol: 11 mg