Irish Potato Leek Soup

This Irish potato leek soup is savory, creamy, cheesy, and so very satisfying. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread and a Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing for a delicious dinner on a cool March evening – like St. Patrick’s Day!

If you’re looking for more recipes for your St. Paddy’s Day celebration, be sure to check out our Oven-Baked Corned Beef And Roasted Cabbage recipe. Try Sweet And Sour Braised Cabbage for a little something different. Then for a sweet finish, I highly recommend these luscious Raspberry Irish Stout Brownies. Yum.

IRISH POTATO LEEK SOUP

Did you know that both the French and the Irish lay claim to potato leek soup? Both versions include potatoes, leeks, cream, and broth. 

However, the French serve their soup chilled and the Irish potato leek soup is served steaming hot. I rather prefer hot soup, even in warmer weather.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE NEEDED?

• Butter – Try Irish or European butter for a treat, but any butter works. Don’t use margarine. You want the flavor of real butter.
• Leeks, sweet onion, celery, and garlic – each vegetable adds another layer of flavor. Leeks and celery tend to have dirt, grit, or sand on them. Be sure to wash them thoroughly.
• White wine – preferably dry. I used chardonnay.
• Chicken stock
• Potatoes – I like using russets, Idaho, or Yukon Gold potatoes because they puree better, but any non-waxy potato will work for this soup.
• Bay leaf, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper – all for flavor
• Heavy cream – thickens the soup and adds creaminess. For a lower calorie version, you could use half & half, canned milk, or whole milk. Your soup will be a bit thinner in consistency, but will still taste incredible.
• Cheddar cheese – shred your own cheddar instead of the pre-shredded variety. It will melt smoother and taste fresher. It’s worth the effort. I used an Irish cheddar, but use your favorite kind of cheese.

HOW TO CLEAN LEEKS

The last thing you want in your silky, creamy soup is grit. Fortunately, leeks are really easy to clean.

1. Use a sharp knife to cut off the root end.
2. Peel away the tough, outer dark green layers.
3. Slice the leek in half lengthwise and then horizontally into half-moons.
4. Fill a large pot or bowl with cold water.
5. Dump all of the sliced leeks into the cold water.
6. Use your fingers to separate the layers of the leeks and swishing them around the water. The leeks will float on top of the water and all the grit, sand, and dirt will sink to the bottom.
7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the clean leeks to a colander to drain. Don’t dump the leeks and water out into the colander because all the debris on the bottom of the pot or bowl will make your sliced leeks gritty and dirty again.

HOW TO MAKE THIS SOUP

This soup is easier than it sounds.

First, we are going to saute the vegetables in butter until soft.

Next, deglaze the pan with wine.

Now pour in chicken stock and add the potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Boil until the potatoes are soft.

Puree the soup till smooth. Stir in the cream and cheese and simmer until hot.

Ladle your soup into mugs, garnish and enjoy! Pretty easy, right?

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