Cozy Winter Leek and Potato Soup 🍲❄️

Warm up your chilly days with this comforting leek and potato soup. It's creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones. The pairing of leeks and potatoes creates a delightfully smooth texture, while optional shredded cheese adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Serve it alongside crusty bread for the ultimate winter meal! 🥖❤️

Ingredients

For the soup

• 2 tablespoons butter (add more if needed for richness)
• 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 6 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for a thicker soup)
• 4 ounces shredded cheese (optional, for a cheesy twist)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion, cooking until they’re tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

3. Slowly pour in the half-and-half, continuing to simmer until the soup has slightly thickened, around 15 minutes longer.

4. If you're using cheese, stir it in along with the parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the cheese melt into the soup, which should take about 5 minutes.

🥣 For an extra silky soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup, then mix it back in for a creamy texture without losing texture altogether.

Variations

• Vegan option: Substitute butter with olive oil, use plant-based cream, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Herb-infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary added during cooking for a fragrant twist.
• Chunky style: Reserve a few potato cubes and add them back to the blended soup for added texture.

Enjoy your deliciously warm bowl of soup and feel free to customize it to your taste! 🌿🥔✨