Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Thyme

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Thyme is perfect for those chilly days when you're craving something warm and comforting. It's simple yet flavorful, with a velvety texture that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients for Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Thyme

The butter is the base for sautéing, adding richness and a slight nutty flavor. Leeks bring a mild onion-like taste, perfect for soups. Russet potatoes are starchy, which helps thicken the soup naturally. Onion complements the leeks and adds depth. Chicken broth forms the flavorful liquid base. Whole milk contributes to the creamy consistency without being too rich. Fresh thyme adds a subtle aromatic flavor. Salt and black pepper enhance and balance the flavors. Finally, heavy cream adds that final touch of luxurious creaminess.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the leeks are thoroughly cleaned — they can trap soil between their layers.
  • For a thicker soup, use less broth or add more potatoes.
  • If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend half the soup and leave the rest as is.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. For a more elegant presentation, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top or add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, but do so before adding the heavy cream for best results. Add cream after reheating.
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last for up to 3 days.

Creamy Leek and Potato Soup with Thyme Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the sliced leeks and chopped onion. Cook these, stirring occasionally, until they're soft and fragrant, which should take about five minutes.

Next, add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the whole milk and fresh thyme. Remove the pot from heat. Now, for the fun part — pureeing! Use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and taste to see if it needs more seasoning. Serve the soup hot, topped with a sprinkle of additional thyme leaves if you like.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have.
  • The creamy texture is both satisfying and comforting.
  • Fresh thyme adds a fragrant, earthy note that elevates the dish.
  • Perfect for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 large leeks, cleaned and sliced
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the leeks and onions until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add potatoes, broth, salt, and pepper, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in the milk and thyme, then remove from heat.
4. Puree the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, adjust seasonings if needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme leaves.

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