Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 3 large leeks, cleaned and sliced into rings
Liquids & Fats
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Butter: Place a large soup pot over medium heat and add the butter. Melt it gently until you hear a soft sizzle, which signals the right temperature to start cooking the leeks.
- Sauté the Leeks: Add the sliced leeks to the pot. Cook them while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. The aroma will deepen as they release their natural sweetness, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
- Add Potatoes: Stir in the sliced potatoes and cook together with the leeks for an additional 2 minutes. This allows the vegetables to meld their flavors and the potatoes to begin softening.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough to mash with a spoon.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, puree it, and then return it to the pot.
- Season and Warm: Stir in the chopped fresh thyme. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. If needed, gently warm the soup over low heat for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprig of thyme or a swirl of cream if you like. Enjoy the velvety texture and comforting aroma of this classic Irish vegetable soup.
Notes
- Using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth adds a richer flavor, but keep it vegetarian-friendly by sticking with vegetable broth.
- Ensure leeks are thoroughly cleaned as they can carry dirt between layers.
- An immersion blender makes blending easier, but a regular blender works fine—just be cautious when handling hot liquids.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Vegetarian
