Leek Soup

Leek soup is a simple and comforting dish, ideal for cold days. Let’s look together at the ingredients and the procedure to prepare this delicious soup.

Ingredients

• 3-4 leeks, only the white part, sliced into rounds
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 liter of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Country bread for serving (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add the sliced leeks. Let them sauté gently for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, being careful not to let them brown too much.

2. Add the cubed potatoes and let them absorb the flavors for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook covered for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. At this point, you can decide whether you prefer a rustic soup with chunks of vegetables or a velvety purée. If you opt for the velvety version, blend everything with an immersion blender until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous consistency.

5. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve hot, perhaps with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and accompanied by toasted country bread croutons.

Trivia

Leek soup is a dish appreciated for its delicate flavor and creamy texture. Leeks are an excellent source of vitamin K and folic acid, as well as being very versatile in the kitchen. This dish is a classic example of “Italian cucina povera”, which is characterized by the use of few simple and genuine ingredients.