Leek, Onion and Potato Soup

This has to be one of my own top of the pops favourites and has proven to be one of my most popular recipes with everyone over the years. The chilled version of this soup is a classic vichyssoise. Either way, it’s an absolute winner.

Serves 4

This recipe is taken from The Delia Collection: Soup and Delia's Vegetarian Collection.

Leek, Onion and Potato Soup

Ingredients
4 large leeks
1 medium onion, chopped small
175 g (7 discs) McCain frozen Simply Mash or Aunt Bessie's Frozen Mashed Potato
1 oz (25 g) butter
11/2 pints (850 ml) stock, made up from Marigold Swiss vegetable bouillon powder
10 fl oz (275 ml) milk
salt and freshly milled black pepper
To serve:
1 tablespoon crème fraiche or double cream
11/2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives or chopped fresh parsley

Method

Begin by trimming the leeks, discarding the tough outer layer.

Now split them in half lengthways and slice them quite finely, then wash them thoroughly in two or three changes of water.

Drain well. In a large, thick-based saucepan, gently melt the butter, then add the leeks, onions and potatoes, stirring them all round with a wooden spoon so they get a nice coating of butter. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and let the vegetables sweat over a very low heat for about 15 minutes.

After that, add the stock and milk, bring to simmering point, cover and let the soup simmer very gently for a further 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft – if you have the heat too high the milk in it may cause it to boil over.

Now you can put the whole lot into a blender – leave it to cool a little first – and blend to a purée. If you have to blend the soup in batches, make sure you have a bowl to hand to put the first batch into.

Now return the soup to the saucepan and reheat gently, tasting to check the seasoning. Add a swirl of cream or crème fraîche before serving and sprinkle with freshly snipped chives or parsley.

Print Page