Dinner Tonight: Leek and Potato Soup
I found it incredibly difficult to pass up a recipe containing nothing but potatoes, leeks, water, and salt. I'm all for simple cooking, but this is ridiculous. From any other source I might have dismissed it, but coming from Julia Child (via the Splendid Table website), I was inclined to hear her out. Feeling flush, I went ahead and indulged in the optional fifth ingredient, a dollop of sour cream, and still created the cheapest lunch I've made this year. (A shower of black pepper was my second indulgence.)
Well, it was pretty good. This is peasant cooking at its finest, making use of every ounce of flavor that the ingredients hold. The result was light and filling. It would probably benefit from a blender to purée some of the solids, which would give the soup more body and creaminess. Or, the leeks and onions could be browned for a few minutes to develop some flavor before adding the water. But either way, this is a winning combination for its foolproof preparation and comforting result.
Potato and Leek Soup
- serves 4 to 6 -
Adapted from Julia Child via The Splendid Table.
Ingredients
3 cups sliced leeks (white and tender green parts)
3 cups peeled and roughly chopped "baking" potatoes
6 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup sour cream or creme fraiche, optional
Black pepper to taste, optional
Procedure
1. Bring ingredients to the boil in a 3-quart saucepan. Cover partially and simmer 20 to 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Correct seasoning.
2. Serve as is, or puree, and/or top each portion with a dollop of the cream.
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11 Comments:
Looks great, and I love leeks. Dinner tonight!
cxg231 at 4:56PM on 12/09/08
Never use a blender to puree potatoes. It releases starches that make the finished dish gooey and taste of wallpaper paste. Pass it through a sieve, or through a ricer.
Andreas at 6:39PM on 12/09/08
Or, the leeks and onions could be browned for a few minutes to develop some flavor before adding the water.
Last night I made Ina Garten's roasted potato and leek soup (from her new cookbook, which I won here! yay!) and I think roasting the vegetables makes a great difference. She also incorporates parmesan cheese, creme fraiche, and a little white wine, which really rounds out the flavors. Just a couple suggestions if you were interested in tweaking this recipe, but I also like how simple and lovely this soup looks as it is.
pearl at 8:48PM on 12/09/08
I make a similar soup using Kale (minus the hard stems) and potatoes. At the very end I add 1/2 pound of Kielbasa sliced very thin. This adds substance and flavor.
BostonDiner at 9:37PM on 12/09/08
I make this with mashed new potatoes, pan fry the leeks, add the creme fraiche while simmering, and then top with grated mature cheddar.
NotAmerican at 1:37AM on 12/10/08
I love Julia's leek soup!
saraann at 10:39AM on 12/10/08
Amateur photograph not withstanding, here is my attempt from last night. I added 3 cups of diced turkey kielbasa at the end for some protein. The amount of kielbasa looks disproportionate, but only because it floats!
Can't say I was amazed - it tastes exactly like what it is. Potatoes, leeks and kielbasa. However, the foundation is there for something really good. I like the suggestion of roasting the potatoes before hand to give some body. And the Parmesan cheese is also an excellent suggestion. Also - next time I might make this with stock, instead of water.
All in all, with a few tweaks, this is something that will be added to the rotation, thanks serious eats!
cxg231 at 11:54AM on 12/10/08
Hrm, I linked to my photograph, but it didn't work - maybe no posting of pictures? I will try once more...not that anyone is that interested anyway.
cxg231 at 11:57AM on 12/10/08
I cook the leek in a little butter until it's wilted first then add the potatoes and water. We eat a LOT of this, freezes very well.
kevmalone at 1:08PM on 12/10/08
pearl-
i made that soup for thanksgiving. it was a bit hit! roasting the veggies is key. great way to ramp up the flavor, and actually easier than doing them on the stovetop.
mr guy at 12:04PM on 12/12/08
Leek and potato soup without dill and thyme?
kathall at 6:20PM on 12/19/08