Name: Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or russets); 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced; 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium); 1 cup cashew cream or non-dairy cream (coconut or oat also work); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped chives for garnish (optional)

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Short, Catchy Intro
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This creamy potato leek soup feels like a cozy blanket you can eat with a spoon. It is fast enough for a weeknight and fancy enough to serve when you want to pretend you are having people over for real. Want a slow cooker twist while you sip coffee and scroll? Try this handy crock pot version for hands-off comfort right here.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

It tastes like comfort without the effort. You will get rich, velvety soup that somehow makes potatoes feel luxurious.
It is forgiving. Burn the toast, overcook the pasta, but this soup will forgive you. It is idiot proof and still slaps.
Vegan friendly if you want it to be. The cashew cream adds silkiness without dairy drama.
It is great for leftovers and freezes well. Make a giant batch and high five yourself later.
Want to impress someone? Serve it in a hollowed bread bowl and watch jaws drop. Want to impress yourself? Eat it straight from the pot with a wooden spoon. Both valid.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced. Yukon Gold or russets work great. Starchy is your friend.
2 leeks, cleaned and sliced. Leeks are fancy onions that never judge.
4 cups vegetable broth. Use low sodium if you are controlling the salt police.
1 cup cashew cream or other non-dairy cream. Coconut, oat, or regular cream also work if you are feeling wild.
2 tablespoons olive oil. Or buttery vibes if that is your jam.
2 cloves garlic, minced. Not optional unless you have sworn off flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste. Add gradually and taste like it is your job.
Chopped chives for garnish optional. They make a dish look like you tried harder than you did.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the leeks and garlic, cooking until soft.
Add diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Once cooked, blend the soup with an immersion blender or in batches until smooth.
Stir in the cashew cream and season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with chives if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cleaning the leeks properly. Leeks hide dirt like tiny vegetable ninjas. Slice them and rinse under water until the sand stops appearing.
Skipping the garlic because you are “saving carbs” or whatever. That garlic brings life to the party.
Overblending if you like texture. If you want a bit of potato body, pulse rather than obliterate.
Adding all the salt at once. Salt sneakily intensifies as the soup reduces. Add a little, taste, then add more.
Using waxy potatoes and expecting instant creaminess. Starchy potatoes give you that luxurious mouthfeel. Use russet or Yukon Gold for best results.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No cashew cream? Use coconut cream or plain heavy cream. I personally like cashew cream for a neutral, nutty silkiness. If nut allergies are a thing, oat or soy cream work fine too.
Want it richer? Add a splash of melted butter or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving. Fat equals flavor and sometimes that is the only math I trust.
No leeks? Use the white and light green parts of scallions or a mix of yellow and sweet onions. The flavor shifts but stays cozy.
Want more herb vibes? Add thyme while simmering or sprinkle chopped parsley at the end. Fresh herbs wake up the whole bowl.
Want a smoky note? A little smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke will make it interesting. I would not go overboard unless you enjoy strong opinions from dinner guests.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q Why use cashew cream instead of dairy cream?
A Want vegan silk without tasting like a health food blog? Cashew cream gives you smooth richness without dairy. You can use heavy cream if you are not avoiding dairy and want decadence.

Q Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A Sure thing. Throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing for 4 to 6 hours on low. You will come back smelling like culinary success.

Q Can I freeze the soup?
A Yep. Cool it, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze. Thaw gently on the stove and stir. The texture might loosen a bit; a quick reblend fixes that.

Q Will it be too thick or too thin?
A Adjust with broth to thin and with an extra potato or less liquid to thicken. Soup is forgiving. Taste and tweak.

Q Can I add bacon or ham?
A If you want to add meaty joy, crisp some bacon and drop it in at the end. Garnish with bacon pieces and chives for maximum crowd pleasing.

Q Is this kid friendly?
A Yes. If your kid tolerates chopped vegetables, they almost always tolerate this. Sneaky creamy comfort food wins.

Q What if my soup has lumps after blending?
A No stress. Blend longer or strain if you are feeling ultra-smooth. Or embrace some texture and call it rustic.

Final Thoughts

You made it through and now you have a steaming pot of velvet potato leek soup. That is basically magic achieved with a knife, a pot, and some patience. Remember to taste as you go and to adjust seasoning. A touch more salt at the end can change the whole vibe. Invite someone for dinner or just eat the whole pot off the stove while wearing sweats. Either way, enjoy it.

Conclusion

If you want more tried and true takes on this classic, check out Potato Leek Soup – Once Upon a Chef for a chef approved recipe. For a different creamy angle, have a look at this creamy potato leek soup, your favorite creamy soup – Alison Roman video and tips. If you like playful blog style variations try Creamy Potato Leek Soup – Sweet Savory and Steph. Want extra creamy and technical notes? The Kitchn offers a depth of details at Potato Leek Soup Recipe Extra Creamy | The Kitchn.

Now go impress someone or yourself with this cozy bowl. You have earned it.