Gourmet Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Inspired by a delightful soup I enjoyed at the luxurious Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, this Gourmet Creamy Potato Leek Soup combines the earthy flavors of tender potatoes and leeks with a rich, velvety cream base. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also elevates the everyday soup experience to something truly special. A perfect addition to any cozy dinner or as an elegant starter for a special occasion, this soup pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and crusty artisan bread for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
leek
1/2 cup (sliced and washed well)
chicken broth
2 cans (store-bought)
potato
4 medium (cut into 1" cubes)
onion
1 (diced)
heavy cream
3/4 cup (whipping cream)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme
1 teaspoon
celery seed
1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced leeks, cubed potatoes, and diced onion into the pot.
3
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4
Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, celery seed, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
5
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm through.
6
Using a potato masher, gently mash some of the potatoes in the pot to achieve your desired level of creaminess while still leaving some chunks for texture.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before ladling the soup into bowls.
8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside a crisp salad and crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this Gourmet Creamy Potato Leek Soup?
This recipe is inspired by a delightful soup served at the luxurious Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
How many ingredients are needed for this potato leek soup?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients including leeks, chicken broth, potatoes, onion, and various seasonings.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cans of store-bought chicken broth, though you can substitute with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
How should I prepare the leeks for this soup?
The leeks should be sliced and washed well to ensure all dirt and grit are removed.
What size should the potatoes be cut into?
The 4 medium potatoes should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long do the vegetables need to simmer?
The vegetables should simmer in the broth for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
When do I add the heavy cream?
The heavy cream is stirred in after the potatoes have finished simmering and are tender.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses dried thyme, celery seed, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper.
Do I need a blender to make this soup creamy?
No blender is needed; you can use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes to reach your desired level of creaminess.
Is this soup recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with straightforward instructions like boiling and simmering.
What can I serve with Gourmet Creamy Potato Leek Soup?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh crisp salad and crusty artisan bread.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What kind of cream does the recipe specify?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream.
How many potatoes are required?
You will need 4 medium-sized potatoes for this recipe.
Should the onion be cooked before adding it to the broth?
No, the diced onion is added directly into the boiling chicken broth along with the leeks and potatoes.
How long should the soup cook after adding the cream and spices?
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes after adding the cream and seasonings to warm through.
What is the texture of this soup?
The soup has a rich, velvety cream base but retains some texture from the chunks of potato left after mashing.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, you can substitute fresh thyme if preferred.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires a small amount, specifically 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the role of celery seed in this soup?
Celery seed provides an earthy, savory flavor that complements the leeks and potatoes.
Should I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, the instructions recommend tasting and adjusting the seasoning as necessary before serving.
How much leek is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced and washed leeks.
Is this soup considered a gourmet dish?
Yes, it is designed to elevate the everyday soup experience to something truly special and elegant.
Can this be served as a starter?
Absolutely, it makes an excellent elegant starter for a special occasion.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
How much salt and pepper are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Does the pot need to be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the pot while simmering the vegetables to help them cook evenly.
What heat should I use for simmering?
Once the broth reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium for simmering.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender, usually after 25-30 minutes.
What should I garnish the soup with?
You can garnish the finished soup with fresh herbs if desired.