Cozy French Leek Soup for Healthy Homemade Winter Comfort

Cozy French Leek Soup is the perfect dish for a chilly winter evening. I remember one snowy night when my son, Ben, came home from school and sniffed the air, asking if I was making that “yummy green soup” again. This soup is not just healthy; itโ€™s a warm hug in a bowl.

Why Youโ€™ll Love It

  • It’s creamy without the cream, making it lighter and healthier.
  • Leeks add a subtle sweetness that makes this soup irresistible.
  • You can whip it up in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids.

Pure Comfort

This soup embodies the essence of comfort food. The smooth texture and warm flavors will wrap you in a cozy blanket of satisfaction, making it a go-to for those cold winter nights.

What You Need

  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil – You can substitute with 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 – A sweet onion works well too.
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced – Feel free to add more for extra flavor.
  • 4 cups 4 cups vegetable broth – Chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian option.
  • 1 1 medium potato, peeled and diced – This adds creaminess; you can use cauliflower for a low-carb version.
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Add fresh herbs like thyme for a flavor boost.

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. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the sliced leeks and diced onion. Sautรฉ until they soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist tasting already.
  3. Add the diced potato and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Once the potatoes are soft, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer it to a blender in batches.
  5. Return the soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or milk at this point.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Your cozy French Leek Soup is ready to enjoy!

Make It Perfect

  • For a richer flavor, roast the leeks in the oven before adding them to the soup.
  • Donโ€™t skip the immersion blender; it makes the soup creamy without adding heavy cream.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; every batch can be a little different.

Mix It Up

  • Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky twist.
  • Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition.
  • Top with croutons or crispy shallots for some crunch.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Pair with crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
  • A light white wine complements the flavors beautifully.

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FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze leek soup?

Yes, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently.

What can I substitute for leeks?

Green onions or shallots can work 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 way to warm up on a cold day. With its healthy ingredients and comforting flavors, itโ€™s sure to become a family favorite. So grab those leeks and let the soup-making begin!

creamy French leek soup in bowl with smooth texture

Cozy French Leek Soup for Healthy Homemade Winter Comfort

Cozy French Leek Soup is a creamy yet light dish featuring leeks, onion, garlic, potato, and vegetable broth. Perfect for chilly winter evenings, it offers subtle sweetness and warmth without heavy cream and can be prepared in under an hour.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Soup
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • immersion blender
  • Stove

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 tbsp olive oil You can substitute with butter for a richer flavor
  • 3 large leeks cleaned and sliced; use the white and light green parts
  • 1 large yellow onion diced; a sweet onion works well too
  • 2 cloves garlic minced; feel free to add more for extra flavor
  • 4 cups vegetable broth chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian option
  • 1 medium potato peeled and diced; adds creaminess, cauliflower can substitute for low-carb
  • to taste Salt and pepper Add fresh herbs like thyme for a flavor boost

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers.
  • Add the sliced leeks and diced onion; sautรฉ until they soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the diced potato and pour in the vegetable broth.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from heat and puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender.
  • Return the soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Optional: Stir in a splash of cream or milk for a creamier texture.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Keyword Comfort Food, easy, Healthy, Leek Soup, vegetarian, winter