Creamy Leek Potato Soup

By azimmer1

Serves 4 to 6. Published March 1, 2010. From Cook's Illustrated.

Don’t fill the blender by more than two-thirds with hot soup; if necessary, process in three batches. You can also use an immersion blender to process the soup directly in the pot. Use the lowest setting on your toaster to dry out the bread without overbrowning it. A garnish is essential to add texture and flavor to this soup. We like Fried Leeks (recipe follows), crisp bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, or freshly chopped chives. The soup can also be garnished with Garlic Chips or Garlic Croutons (see related recipes).

Ingredients

• 4 medium leeks , white and light-green parts halved lengthwise, washed, and sliced thin (about 4 cups), dark green parts halved, washed, and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion , chopped medium (about 1 cup)
• Table salt
• 1 small russet potato (about 6 ounces), peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (4-inch) sprig fresh thyme or tarragon
• 1 large slice high-quality sandwich bread , lightly toasted and torn into 1/2-inch pieces (see note)
• Ground black pepper

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

1. Bring dark-green leek pieces, broth, and water to boil in large saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Strain broth through fine-mesh strainer into medium bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible; set aside. Discard solids in strainer and rinse out saucepan.

2. Melt butter in now-empty saucepan over medium-low heat. When butter foams, stir in sliced leeks, onion, and 1 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.

3. Increase heat to high, stir in reserved broth, potato, bay leaf, and herb sprig and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Add toasted bread and simmer until bread is completely saturated and starts to break down, about 5 minutes.

4. Remove and discard bay leaf and herb sprig. Transfer half of soup to blender and process until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and repeat with remaining soup. Return soup to saucepan and bring to simmer; season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with garnish.