Cold weather? Check. Lazy Sunday?
Check. A craving for something creamy, hearty, and stupidly easy to make? Double-check.
Leek and potato soup with milk isn’t just soup—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Forget fancy techniques or 20-ingredient recipes. This dish is all about simplicity, flavor, and zero pretentiousness.
Why milk instead of cream?
Because we’re keeping it light(ish) without sacrificing richness. And let’s be real—who has heavy cream just lying around? Exactly.
This recipe is for people who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Ready to upgrade your soup game? Let’s go.
Why This Recipe Works (Spoiler: It’s Ridiculously Good)
The magic here is in the balance.
Leeks bring a mild oniony sweetness, potatoes add creaminess without actual cream, and milk ties it all together with just enough richness. It’s velvety, savory, and somehow feels indulgent while being embarrassingly easy.
Plus, it’s forgiving. Burn the leeks a little?
No one’s judging. Prefer it chunkier? Skip the blender.
This soup adapts to your mood, your kitchen skills, and whatever’s left in your fridge. That’s what makes it a winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large leeks (white and light green parts only, unless you enjoy chewing grass)
- 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 3 cups whole milk (2% works in a pinch, but don’t blame us if it’s less luxurious)
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free twist)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (store-bought is fine—we’re not Michelin inspectors)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, unless you have no taste)
- Optional: Thyme, garlic, or a bay leaf for extra flavor
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
- Prep the leeks. Slice them thinly, rinse well (they’re famously dirty), and sauté in butter over medium heat until soft—about 5 minutes. Don’t let them brown unless you’re into that.
- Add the potatoes. Peel and dice them, then toss them in with the leeks.
Stir for 1–2 minutes just to coat them in buttery goodness.
- Pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (15–20 minutes). Poke a potato with a fork. If it yields, you’re golden.
- Blend (or don’t). Use an immersion blender for silky soup, or mash lightly with a fork for a chunkier vibe.
Your call.
- Add the milk. Warm it gently—don’t boil, or it might curdle. Nobody wants chunky milk.
- Season and serve. Salt, pepper, maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Boom.
Done.
How to Store It (Because Leftovers Are Life)
Let the soup cool, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat—microwaving risks uneven warmth and sad, separated milk. Freezing?
IMO, dairy-based soups can get grainy, so proceed with caution.
Why This Soup Is Basically a Superfood
Leeks are packed with vitamins A and K, potatoes give you fiber and potassium, and milk adds protein and calcium. It’s comfort food that doesn’t hate your body. Plus, it’s cheap, filling, and customizable—swap ingredients to fit your diet, and it still slaps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the dark green parts of leeks. They’re tough and bitter.
Just don’t.
- Boiling the milk. High heat = curdling = sadness.
- Underseasoning. Potatoes suck up salt like a sponge. Taste as you go.
Swaps and Substitutions
No milk? Try coconut milk for a vegan version.
Not a leek fan? Sub onions (but expect a stronger flavor). For extra richness, swirl in a spoonful of Greek yogurt at the end.
Play around—this recipe won’t judge you.
FAQs
Can I use skim milk?
Technically yes, but the soup will be thinner and less creamy. Whole milk or even half-and-half delivers better texture and flavor. You’ve been warned.
Why did my soup turn out gluey?
You probably over-blended the potatoes.
They release more starch the longer you blend, which can make the soup paste-like. Pulse lightly or mash by hand if you prefer a lighter texture.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely. Grated cheddar or Parmesan melts beautifully into this soup.
Just stir it in at the end, off the heat, to avoid clumping. Cheese makes everything better—this is a universal truth.
Final Thoughts
This soup is the culinary equivalent of sweatpants: cozy, reliable, and always a good idea. It’s weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and open to interpretation.
Make it once, and it’ll become your cold-weather staple. Now go forth and simmer.
