Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Tarragon
Embrace the warmth of your kitchen as you prepare this Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Tarragon, a delightful dish perfect for chilly evenings. Inspired by a beloved recipe from Bon Appetit, this soup marries the delicate flavors of sautéed leeks and fragrant tarragon with the heartiness of potatoes. Finished with a swirl of rich cream and tangy yogurt, it offers a comforting and revitalizing experience with every spoonful. Ideal for serving as a starter or a main course paired with crusty bread, this recipe is not just a meal, but a hug in a bowl.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
leeks
2 (sliced (white and pale green parts only))
onion
1 small (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (sliced)
water
2 tablespoons (added)
red potatoes
1/2 lb (unpeeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
4 cups (added)
fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons (chopped)
whipping cream
1/2 cup (added)
plain yogurt
1/2 cup (added)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbling.
2
Add the sliced leeks, chopped onion, garlic, and water to the pot. Sauté everything for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft and golden brown.
3
Introduce the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4
Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the chopped tarragon, whipping cream, and plain yogurt. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
6
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional tarragon leaves if desired. Enjoy with your favorite crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Tarragon?
It is a comforting vegetable soup inspired by a Bon Appetit recipe that features sautéed leeks, garlic, and red potatoes, finished with fresh tarragon, cream, and yogurt.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What parts of the leeks should I use?
You should use only the white and pale green parts of the leeks, sliced.
Should I peel the red potatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using 1/2 lb of unpeeled red potatoes cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of butter.
What type of broth can I use?
You can use either low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth.
How many garlic cloves are in this soup?
The recipe calls for 4 sliced garlic cloves.
Why is water added during the sautéing process?
Two tablespoons of water are added along with the leeks, onion, and garlic to help soften them during the 10-minute sauté.
How long do the leeks and onions need to sauté?
Sauté them for about 10 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
What is the cooking time for the potatoes?
The potatoes should simmer for approximately 10 minutes until they are fork-tender.
When is the tarragon added to the soup?
Add the chopped fresh tarragon after the potatoes have softened, along with the cream and yogurt.
How much fresh tarragon is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh tarragon.
What gives the soup its creamy texture?
The creaminess comes from the combination of 1/2 cup of whipping cream and 1/2 cup of plain yogurt.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this recipe is fully vegetarian.
How do I prepare the potatoes?
Leave them unpeeled and cut them into 1/2-inch pieces.
What is the total amount of broth needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of broth.
How long do you cook the soup after adding the cream and yogurt?
Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the recommended garnish?
You can garnish the soup with additional fresh tarragon leaves if desired.
What heat setting should I use to melt the butter?
Melt the butter over medium heat until it is bubbling.
Should the onion be sliced or chopped?
The recipe calls for 1 small onion, chopped.
Do I need to boil the soup?
Yes, after adding the broth and potatoes, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under the Vegetable category.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is delicious when paired with your favorite crusty bread.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season with salt and pepper to taste at the end of the cooking process.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large heavy pot is recommended for even cooking.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for chilly evenings and a 'hug in a bowl'.
Can I use dried tarragon?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh tarragon for the best flavor profile.
What is the serving size for this soup?
The specific serving size in ounces or cups is not provided, but the recipe is intended for 4 people.
Who is the original inspiration for this recipe?
This soup is inspired by a beloved recipe from Bon Appetit.