Potato Leek Soup Comfort

Featured in: Family Comfort Plates

This creamy dish combines tender potatoes and sliced leeks simmered with aromatic herbs and softened onions. Slowly cooked in vegetable stock and finished with a touch of cream or milk, it delivers rich, comforting flavors. Garnish options include fresh chives, parsley, or crunchy croutons. Easy to prepare and perfect for a nourishing, warming meal any time of year.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:11:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of creamy potato leek soup, garnished with fresh chives, ready to eat. Pin it
A steaming bowl of creamy potato leek soup, garnished with fresh chives, ready to eat. | weeknightwhisk.com

A creamy comforting classic featuring tender potatoes and leeks this soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a budget.

I remember making this soup for the first time during a rainy weekend when I needed something warm and satisfying. Every spoonful reminded me of rustic French kitchens and family gatherings around steaming bowls.

Ingredients

  • Leeks: 3 large leeks (white and light green parts only) cleaned and sliced
  • Potatoes: 800 g (about 1.75 lbs) peeled and diced
  • Onion: 1 medium chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Vegetable stock: 1 liter (4 cups) gluten-free if needed
  • Milk or cream: 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk or cream
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp or to taste
  • Ground black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Nutmeg: Pinch (optional)
  • Chopped fresh chives or parsley: for garnish (optional)
  • Croutons: for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté vegetables:
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft but not browned.
Add garlic:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add potatoes and stock:
Stir in the potatoes bay leaf salt and pepper. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
Simmer:
Reduce heat cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are very tender.
Purée:
Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth or blend in batches.
Finish:
Return to low heat. Stir in the milk or cream and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Heat gently do not boil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Serve hot garnished with chives parsley or croutons.
Golden-yellow potato leek soup, smooth and rich, perfect for a cozy, comforting lunch. Pin it
Golden-yellow potato leek soup, smooth and rich, perfect for a cozy, comforting lunch. | weeknightwhisk.com

My kids love helping with this recipe especially throwing the potatoes into the pot and watching the soup blend into a silky texture. It always makes for sweet kitchen moments together.

Required Tools

Large soup pot knife and cutting board immersion blender or regular blender ladle

Allergen Information

Contains dairy. Use plant-based alternatives for dairy-free and check your stock for gluten if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 220 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 34 g Protein 5 g

Close-up of a rustic bowl filled with potato leek soup, a delicious vegetarian classic. Pin it
Close-up of a rustic bowl filled with potato leek soup, a delicious vegetarian classic. | weeknightwhisk.com

This classic soup is a wonderful choice for busy nights or when you crave something nourishing. Enjoy it solo or as a starter for a cozy family dinner.

Common Questions

How do I clean and prepare leeks?

Trim and slice the white and light green parts. Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and grit trapped between layers.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, waxy or starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets work well to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

What is the best way to blend the soup?

Use an immersion blender for easy blending directly in the pot, or a regular blender in batches until silky smooth.

How can I make it vegan-friendly?

Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use your choice of non-dairy milk or cream alternatives.

What garnishes complement this dish?

Chopped fresh chives or parsley add brightness, while croutons provide a satisfying crunch.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as a gluten-free vegetable stock is used, this dish is gluten-free.

Potato Leek Soup Comfort

Creamy blend of tender potatoes and leeks, ideal for a cozy and flavorful meal.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Time Needed
50 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine French

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 3 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
02 1.75 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
03 1 medium onion, chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable stock, gluten-free if required
02 1 cup whole milk or cream
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
02 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
03 1 bay leaf
04 Pinch of nutmeg, optional

Garnish (optional)

01 Chopped fresh chives or parsley
02 Croutons

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and chopped onion, sautéing for 5 to 7 minutes until softened but not browned.

Step 02

Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine Main Ingredients: Incorporate diced potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable stock and bring mixture to a boil.

Step 04

Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are very tender.

Step 05

Purée Soup: Remove bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth, or blend in batches using a regular blender.

Step 06

Finish with Cream: Return puréed mixture to low heat. Stir in milk or cream and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Heat gently without boiling. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or croutons as preferred.

Tools Required

  • Large soup pot
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Immersion blender or regular blender
  • Ladle

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk/cream). Use plant-based substitutes for dairy-free.
  • Verify whether vegetable stock is gluten-free if sensitivity exists.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 220
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 5 g