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What could be better than a delicious homemade soup to warm up and enjoy the original taste of vegetables?

The leek and potato soup is a delicious French classic, appreciated for its simplicity of preparation and its delicious combination of flavors.

It is perfect for cool evenings, snacks or for filling up on vitamins and minerals.

In this article, discover all the secrets of this important soup and tips for making it a success, whether you’re a novice cook or a culinary expert.

Basic ingredients and their importance

As the name suggests, leek and potato soup is based on two main ingredients:

1. Leek: a root vegetable from the allium family, leeks are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They give the soup a sweet and slightly sweet taste, as well as a creamy texture. To choose well, choose firm, medium-sized new onions with a dark green color.
2. Potato: a tuber of the Solanum tuberosum plant, the potato is a must in French cuisine. They are rich in complex carbohydrates and provide energy and satiety. For the sauce, choose tender-fleshed potatoes, such as Bintje, Monalisa, or Amandine, which will give a creamy consistency to the dish.

In addition to these two main ingredients, other elements complete the recipe:

• Broth: can be vegetable, chicken, or beef broth, depending on taste. Broth adds flavor to the soup and allows the vegetables to steam, thus preserving their nutritional quality.
• Aromatics: to give flavor to the soup, thyme and bay leaves are usually used, but you can add other fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, chives, chervil, or tarragon.
• Butter: allows for browning the vegetables before adding broth, to soften them and give them a vibrant color. You can also use olive or nut oil for a stronger flavor.
• Fresh Cream: added at the end of cooking, gives a sweet and creamy touch to the soup. You can replace it with milk, cottage cheese, or yogurt, for a lighter version.

Preparation: tips for successful leek and potato soup

Making leek and potato soup is simple and quick, here are the steps:

1. Starting with preparing the vegetables: wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into pieces. Clean the new onions by removing the roots and green leaves, then cut them into thin strips.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot, then add the new onions and potatoes. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes, until lightly browned.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the broth by dissolving the broth cube in hot water, then pour it over the vegetables. Add the aromatics and bring everything to a boil.
4. Let the soup cook at low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are very tender. You can adjust the cooking time according to the desired texture: the longer the vegetables are cooked, the creamier the soup will be.
5. Once the cooking is complete, remove the aromas and puree the soup with a hand blender until smooth and homogeneous. Then add the fresh cream and mix well.
6. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve the soup hot, accompanied by croutons or toasted bread.

Here are some tips for preparing a better leek and potato soup:

• Do not throw away the green leaves of new onions: they are edible and give flavor to the soup. You can add it to the cooking with sliced new onions.
• If you want a thicker soup, increase the amount of potatoes or add extra root vegetables, such as parsnips or celeriac.
• Vary the taste by adding other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or cabbage.
• Give a gourmet touch to the soup by throwing in the pan a few slices of bacon or pieces of previously browned ham.

Health benefits of leek and potato soup

Leek and potato soup is not only delicious, but also beneficial for health thanks to its many nutrients:

1. Fiber: present in large quantities in leeks and potatoes, contributes to satiety, improves intestinal transit, and helps regulate cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood.
2. Vitamins: leek and potato soup is very rich in B vitamins, particularly B6, B9 (folate), and B3 (niacin), important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and energy production. Leeks are a good source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and improves iron absorption.
3. Minerals: The two star vegetables of this soup provide important minerals for the body, such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. These elements play a role in regulating blood pressure, maintaining bone density, and muscle and nerve function.
4. Antioxidant: leek is rich in sulfur compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals and play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Finally, leek and potato soup is a light and low-calorie dish, ideal for people who want to control their weight or follow a balanced diet. For a healthier version, you can replace fresh cream with milk, cottage cheese, or yogurt, and limit the use of fats during cooking.

A variant of leek and potato soup

Leek and potato soup is a versatile dish that can be customized endlessly, according to your tastes and desired ingredients. Here are some variant ideas to vary the pleasures:

1. Spring onion and curry potato soup: add a tablespoon of curry powder during vegetable cooking for an exotic and spicy taste.
2. Leek and potato soup with shrimp: add peeled shrimp and cook with vegetables. You can add pieces of smoked salmon or cod.
3. Leek and potato soup with cheese: sprinkle the soup with grated cheese, such as Comté, Gruyère, or Mimolette, and melt before serving.
4. Vegetarian leek and potato soup: replace chicken or beef broth with vegetable broth for a 100% plant-based version.
5. Cold leek and potato soup: Let the soup cool, then place it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Serve cold, with a dash of olive oil and a few leaves of chopped basil.

As you can see, leek and potato soup is a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that adapts to all tastes and occasions. Do not hesitate to experiment with ingredients, spices, and toppings to create your own version of this essential soup. Bon appét