A creamy, silky smooth leek and potato soup made with just six simple ingredients. The trick is not to over-blend as this activates the starch in the potatoes and makes the soup gluey.
350gleeks (trimmed weight), white and pale green parts only, cut into rough chunks (about 2 medium leeks)
600gpotatoes (peeled weight), brushed (dirty) potatoes, cut into 3 cm chunks, see notes for other suitable varieties
600mlvegetable or chicken stock, reduced salt
Pinchof ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
150gthickened cream (double cream in the UK, heavy cream in the USA), see notes
To Serve (optional)
chopped fresh chives
extra cream
croutons
crispy bacon
Instructions
Place the garlic in the Thermomix bowl and chop for 3 sec/speed 7. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Add the butter and leeks. Chop for 4 sec/speed 5. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Cook for 10 min/120°C/speed 1, without the measuring cup.
Add the potatoes and stock. Cook for 20 min/100°C/speed 1 with the measuring cup removed and the simmering basket or splatter guard placed on top of the lid to prevent splatters.
Check that the potatoes are very soft. If needed, cook for a further 5 min/100°C/speed 1.
Blend for 30 sec, slowly increasing from speed 1 to speed 9. Do not blend for longer than 30 seconds as over-blending can make the potatoes gluey.
If the soup is too thick, add a little extra stock and stir to combine on 10 sec/speed 3, finishing off with a spoon or spatula if needed. Add the cream and black pepper and stir to combine on 20 sec/speed 3, again finishing off with a spoon or spatula if needed.
Taste and season with salt as needed.
Serve with your choice of toppings - chopped chives, a drizzle of cream, croutons or crispy bacon all work beautifully.
Notes
Leeks and potatoes: The quantities given are the trimmed and peeled weight, so make sure you weigh them after prepping.Potato varieties: If you are outside Australia, look for a starchy or floury potato variety. In the UK, Maris Piper, King Edward or Desiree work well. In the USA, use Russet. In New Zealand, Agria is a great choice.Stock: I have deliberately kept the stock quantity lower than many other recipes. If the soup is too thick after blending, add a little extra stock at the end to reach your preferred consistency.Cream: Thickened cream adds richness and a silky finish. It is stirred through at the end rather than blended in. You can reduce the amount or leave it out altogether for a lighter soup.Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. This recipe is not suitable for freezing. The cream causes the soup to split and the texture changes upon reheating.TM31: This recipe has not been tested in a TM31. TM31 users please be aware the bowl capacity may not be sufficient for this recipe.