Best Leek Potato Soup Recipe

I created this recipe with fresh leeks that I had bought at the farmer's market. They have a mild oniony flavor and are really delicious in soup. They're healthy, too!

Leeks provide a mild natural diuretic effect which helps eliminate excess fluid from the body. 

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Best Leek Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients:
2 large leeks (or 4 small leeks)

1 small white onion

3 tbsp. olive oil


1 tbsp. butter

3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

3-4 c. boxed gluten-free vegetable broth

3/4 c. half & half (optional)

Salt and white pepper

Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor

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Preparation:

Prepare leeks a few hours earlier or the night before. Cut off the dark green leaves, and save the white and pale green head of the leeks. Discard the green leaves or freeze them to make soup stock.

Leeks contain a lot of dirt, so peel off the outside layers and rinse the stalk under running water until clean. Using a large saucepan with high sides, put the leek stalks in with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and then immediately lower the heat to medium low. Cover the saucepan and allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Allow to cool. You may reserve the leeks and liquid to a covered container and refrigerate overnight.

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When ready to prepare soup, dice a small white onion and sauté in olive oil and butter in a dutch oven or stew pot. Sauté the onion only until clear: do not brown! Meanwhile, peel and cube the russet potatoes and add to the onions in the pan. Stir well, then add the vegetable broth just to cover. Allow to simmer on medium low heat until the potatoes are just soft, about 25-30 minutes.

While the potatoes and onions are simmering, remove the leeks from the saucepan or container, and conserve the leek broth. At this point, you may pour off the broth into a container and save it for a detox* drink. Keep a small portion of the broth with the leeks. Put the now-softened leeks into a food processor and grind until smooth. You may use the extra broth to thin the mixture if necessary.

Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash them smooth while they are still in the dutch oven or pot, blending with the onions and broth. Add the leeks from the food processor to the potato mixture. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Stir on low heat.

Add Old Bay seasoning, if desired. Add half & half and reheat quickly just before serving. Do not boil!

Makes 5-6 servings