Creamy Bacon Leek and Potato Soup (No Cream)

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Creamy leek potato soup is a thick rich comforting soup that is basically the best bowl of mashed potatoes you will ever have.
• Quick and easy to make, this delicious recipe is made in a single pot so clean-up is a breeze.

What is a Leek and How do You Pick the Best Ones?

Leeks are a member of the allium family which also includes onions, garlic, scallions, shallots, and chives. In fact, they look like overgrown green onions. They have a mild slightly sweet onion flavor.

When shopping for fresh leeks look for leeks that are about an inch in diameter with dark green stems and the roots still attached which will help them stay fresher longer. Leeks should be firm with no signs of wilting.

What Part of the Leek do You Use to Make Soup?

Typically just the white and light green parts of a leek are eaten. The darker green parts have plenty of flavor but are a bit tough. They are great for making homemade stock.

As leeks grow, the soil is piled up around them, so that more of the leek is hidden from the sun, and therefore lighter in color and more tender. But this also results in sand and dirt being lodged within the layers inside the leek.

How to Clean Leeks:

1. Rinse the leeks under water to remove visible dirt or sand.
2. Cut off the roots and the dark green tops of the leeks and slice the leeks in half lengthwise.
3. Chop the leek halves into semi-circles.
4. Rinse the sliced leeks in a bowl of cold water. Use your hands to agitate the leeks and dislodge any dirt or sand that may be clinging to them.
5. Pour the leeks into a colander to drain.

What Are the Best Potatoes for Soup?

Not all potatoes are created equal. Some are better suited for certain tasks in the kitchen than others. When choosing a kind of potato for this soup there are a few characteristics you should look for.

Starchy varieties of potatoes include:

• Idaho Russet
• Katahdin

You could also use potatoes with a medium level of starch. These varieties include:

• Yukon Gold
• Kennebec
• Purple Peruvian

Saute the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it is crispy. Using a slotted spoon remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the pot.

In the same pan, melt butter, add the leeks, and cook over low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.

Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 - 30 minutes or until the potatoes have softened.

Remove the bay leaf and thyme. Remove ⅓ of the potato mixture to a bowl. Using a hand blender, puree the remaining soup until smooth. Return the potato mixture to the pot.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve hot with your desired toppings.

Toppings

I like to set up a toppings bar so that everyone can choose their own toppings for their bowl of delicious soup. Some toppings to offer are:

• Crispy Bacon
• Diced Green Onions
• Fresh Parsley
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar and Gouda are my favorites.
• Sour Cream
• Croutons

Sides

My favorite way to serve Leek, Potato, and Bacon Soup is alongside a piece of crusty bread and a salad. You could also serve it along with a delicious sandwich. My favorite is a turkey club or grilled ham and cheese.

Tips

• When chopping the potatoes, cut them uniformly so that they cook in the same amount of time.
• If you don't have an immersion/stick blender you can also puree the soup in a food processor or blender. If you're using a blender, purée the soup in batches. Don't fill the blender more than a third full at a time, and remember to hold down the lid while the blender is going.
• If you don't have a blender, cook the soup as instructed and use a potato masher to mash the potatoes in the soup after they have softened.
• To make this leek and potato soup vegetarian, skip the bacon and increase the butter to 4 tablespoons. Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
• If you prefer a thinner soup, add additional chicken broth until the soup reaches your desired consistency.

Refrigerator

If you have leftovers, allow the soup to come to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To Reheat: Reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can You Freeze Leek and Potato Soup?

This soup freezes really well. As a bonus, because there is no dairy you don't have to worry about the cream separating when frozen.

Allow the soup to come to room temperature and then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the contents and date. Then freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

Sometimes there is a little separation in soup once you freeze and defrost it. If this happens, just purée the soup again until smooth.