cleaning leeks

Leek and Potato Soup

I grew leeks this year and just picked my first batch.  We all love leek and potato soup and I love being able to make it at the drop of a hat.

If you’re new to leeks, cleaning can be difficult! The best way I’ve found is to cut off the root (assuming you picked them, otherwise this will probably already be cut off) and cut off the green ends. You want mostly white.

Then starting from the green end (or what was green) slice the leek down the middle to within about 1/2″ of the root end. Turn and slice it again, so it’s in fourths but still intact. Then hold it under running water and separate the leaves so the dirt is washed out. Then lay it on its side and slice.

leek split for cleaning
Split Leek

I served this with tuna melts for a great Sunday supper.

Leek and Potato Soup

This classic leek and potato soup can be served hot or chilled.

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbs butter
  • 3 large leeks, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2-3 potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 2 sprigs of fresh parsley or equivalent dried
  • 1 cup cream
  • chives for garnish

Instructions

  • Melt the butter and slowly saute the leeks, onion, and celery about 15 minutes until softened. 
  • Add the chicken broth, potatoes, and parsley and simmer another 15-20 minutes, until the potato is soft. 
  • Use a hand immersion blender to make it smooth or put batches of into your blender and puree.
  • Add some hot soup to the cream and then pour it back into the soup. 
  • If you’re serving hot, keep warm until serving and garnish with a few chives. If you’re serving it cold, add the chives and then chill.

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Comments

  1. gini Avatar
    gini

    I have made this soup from a site called finedining.com and it was delicious! I sauteed the green part of the leeks with green chillies, ginger and garlic. Add the sauteed ingredients to yogurt and you have a spicy dip.

  2. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    mince first, then agitate/soak in water. be sure to LIFT the leeks out of the water instead of pouring them through a colander, etc; as the dirt will fall to the bottom, you dont want to pour it back over the leeks when recmoving them from the water.

  3. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    I love this recipe and will try it this week! I have found that if I soak the quartered leeks in cold water for 5-10 min first, it is easier to rinse the dirt out under running water.
    More leek recipes please!

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