Irish Vegetable Potato Leek Soup
This Irish vegetable potato leek soup is a creamy, comforting dish made by simmering potatoes and leeks until tender, then blending into a smooth, velvety texture. The soup features hearty vegetables, enhanced with aromatics and finished with optional add-ins for extra flavor. Its final appearance is a thick, pale greenish-cream bowl of pureed vegetables with a comforting, rustic look.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 large leeks cleaned and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 dash smoked paprika optional
- 1 tbsp butter optional for finishing
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, and add the sliced leeks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they become soft and fragrant, releasing a sweet aroma.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, coating them with the aromatic mixture, and cook for 3-4 minutes to start softening the potatoes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily mashed with a fork.
- Once the vegetables are cooked through, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and velvety, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
- Return the blended soup to low heat, and stir in a dash of smoked paprika and a knob of butter for added richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the soup reaches your desired warmth and thickness.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting, creamy consistency of this Irish classic.
Notes
For a vegan version, skip the butter or substitute with plant-based margarine. Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or parsley for additional flavor.