Creamy Leek Potato Soup Cook's Illustrated

Indulge in the velvety goodness of Creamy Leek Potato Soup, a comforting classic perfected by Cook's Illustrated. This hearty soup combines the delicate sweetness of tender leeks with the earthy richness of russet potatoes, all brought together in a smooth, luxurious blend with the addition of heavy cream. Aromatic garlic enhances the flavor, while a base of low-sodium broth keeps it light yet savory. Made in just an hour, this one-pot recipe is both simple and satisfying, with a silky texture achieved by pureeing the soup to perfection. Serve it warm and garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a touch of brightness. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer, this creamy leek potato soup is guaranteed to delight your taste buds.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups leeks (white and light green parts only), thoroughly cleaned and sliced thin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the sliced leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid browning the leeks.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced potatoes and broth to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 6

Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, puree the soup in batches using a blender, ensuring you vent the blender lid to allow steam to escape.

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Return the soup to low heat and cook for 5 more minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3146.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2242.5

Total Fat 133.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 364mg	0%
Sodium 3408.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 231.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.9g
Protein 31.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 444.4mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 4622.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.5%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 41.0%