Cozy French Leek Soup Recipe for Healthy Homemade Comfort

There's something magical about a warm bowl of Cozy French Leek Soup. I remember the first time I made this soup with my daughter, Lily. We had a rainy day, and the aroma of sautéing leeks filled our kitchen, making it feel like a cozy haven. This healthy homemade comfort food is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
  • The creamy texture without the cream is a delightful surprise.
  • It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
  • You can enjoy it as a starter or a main dish.

Pure Comfort

This soup is pure comfort in a bowl. The leeks bring a subtle sweetness, while the potatoes add a creamy texture, making every spoonful a warm hug. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

What You Need

  • 2 tbsp 2 tablespoons olive oil – or butter for a richer flavor
  • 3 3 large leeks, cleaned and sliced – use the white and light green parts
  • 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – for added sweetness
  • 2 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Yukon Gold or Russet work well
  • 4 cups 4 cups vegetable broth – or chicken broth for more flavor
  • 1 tsp 1 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup heavy cream – optional for creaminess
  • for garnish Fresh chives, chopped – or parsley for a pop of color

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Steps to Make It

  1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced leeks and diced onion. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
  2. Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 3 minutes. The potatoes will start to soften, and you can see the colors brightening up.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
  5. If you like a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream at this point. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm everything through. The soup should be velvety and inviting.
  6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley. The vibrant green will contrast beautifully with the creamy soup, making it even more appealing.

Make It Perfect

  • For a lighter version, skip the cream and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
  • If you want to add protein, consider including shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans.
  • Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly, as dirt can hide between their layers.

Mix It Up

  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, earthy flavor.
  • For a spicy kick, toss in a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
  • Pair it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for extra comfort.

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FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat.

What can I substitute for leeks?

You can use green onions or shallots in a pinch.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth.

Conclusion

This Cozy French Leek Soup is a delightful addition to your healthy soup recipes. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family. So grab your leeks and get cooking; comfort is just a bowl away!

Creamy French leek soup garnished with fresh chives in bowl

Cozy French Leek Soup Recipe for Healthy Homemade Comfort

A comforting French leek soup featuring sautéed leeks, onions, and potatoes in a creamy broth. This healthy homemade soup is easy to prepare and perfect for chilly evenings, offering a warm and nutritious meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for a richer flavor
  • 3 large leeks cleaned and sliced – use the white and light green parts
  • 1 large yellow onion diced – for added sweetness
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced – Yukon Gold or Russet work well
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for more flavor
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground for best flavor
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream optional for creaminess
  • fresh chives chopped – or parsley for a pop of color, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Immersion blender

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add sliced leeks and diced onion, sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add diced potatoes and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy; alternatively, blend in batches with a regular blender.
  7. Stir in heavy cream if using, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm through.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley.

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