Fall

3-Ingredient Potato Leek Soup

by:
November 21, 2017
5
8 Ratings
3-Ingredient Potato Leek Soup
Photo by Posie Harwood
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

A simpler take on a classic vichyssoise, this is my favorite soup to make in the winter. With a mere three ingredients, it's cheap and quick. The soup manages to taste both sophisticated and comforting all at once. The starch from the potatoes makes it taste cream-laden, despite having no dairy in it. Serve it alongside flaky buttermilk biscuits for a perfect cold-weather meal. —Posie (Harwood) Brien

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 4 leeks
  • 1 1/4 pounds potatoes (I prefer Yukon gold)
  • 6 cups water
  • salt, to taste
Directions
  1. Clean the leeks carefully, then slice them into thin half-moons. Scrub and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leeks and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks soften.
  3. Add the potatoes and the water. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-30 minutes: The soup is ready when the potatoes can be easily poked with a fork. The timing will vary depending on the type of potatoes you use.
  4. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. (If you don't have one, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Be very careful with the hot liquid!) Taste the soup and season with more salt if needed.
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8 Reviews

Jennifer B.
Jennifer B. January 15, 2023
This has been a family favorite for over 40 years and is present at every Holiday meal. I sometimes use chicken stock but I always serve it with sour cream and crispy bacon bits. It is delicious both hot and cold!
 
Taylor S.
Taylor S. October 3, 2022
I made this last night and loved it! Very delicious, simple, and cozy meal served best with some warm focaccia. The only addition I made was adding the tiniest splash of red wine vinegar which brightened the dish up.
 
drbabs
drbabs January 6, 2021
This was shockingly good. I did use chicken broth. And it violates your 3 ingredient rule, but a little sharp cheddar grated over, and a splash of balsamic vinegar took it over the top.
 
amanda R.
amanda R. December 27, 2020
This was so simple and delicious! I followed the recipe, but also added dried shallots to step 1, and then a splash of red wine vinegar near the end.
 
babetteg
babetteg February 28, 2019
Very simple and wonderful!
 
Brittany P.
Brittany P. January 30, 2018
can i substitute a little bit of the water for chicken broth? if so, what ratio would you use (there's salt in my chicken broth)? also, would you recommend doing this?
 
Posie (.
Posie (. January 30, 2018
Totally! That would be delicious. Skip the additional salt and it'll be fine--I often use broth or stock if I have some.
 
Joy B.
Joy B. December 12, 2017
This looks so comforting and simple and warm. Can't wait to make it! Also love the potential for dressing it up -- maybe with swirls of salsa verde or a drizzle of spicy oil.