Recipe – Potato, Leek and Pea Soup

This is a hearty, simple-to-prepare soup, which will stick to your ribs and warm your soul.

Potato, Leek, and Pea Soup is a creamy and flavorful soup made from a combination of potatoes, leeks, peas, and other ingredients to enhance the taste and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

1. Potatoes — Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that adds thickness and heartiness to the soup. They are usually peeled and diced before being cooked until tender. Potatoes also contribute to the overall creaminess of the soup when blended.
2. Leeks — Leeks are a type of onion with a milder and sweeter flavor. They are sliced and often sautéed in butter or oil to release their flavor before being simmered with the other ingredients. Leeks provide a savory depth to the soup.
3. Peas — Peas, whether fresh or frozen, add a vibrant green color and a slightly sweet taste to the soup. They are typically added towards the end of the cooking process to retain their color and texture.
4. Broth — Vegetable or chicken broth is used as the base of the soup. It provides a flavorful liquid to cook the vegetables and helps create the desired consistency.
5. Seasonings — Various herbs and seasonings can be added to enhance the flavor profile. Common seasonings include thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Cream — To achieve the creamy texture, some recipes call for the addition of heavy cream or milk. This contributes to the richness and smoothness of the soup.

The cooking process generally involves sautéing the leeks, adding diced potatoes and broth, and simmering until the potatoes are soft. Peas are then added towards the end of the cooking time to cook briefly and maintain their vibrant color. Once everything is cooked, the soup is often blended until smooth or partially blended for a chunkier texture.

Potato, Leek, and Pea Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s often served hot, especially during colder months. It can be enjoyed as a starter, a light meal, or even as a side dish. Variations of the soup might include additional ingredients like garlic, onions, carrots, celery, or different types of herbs depending on personal preferences and regional variations.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 leeks, trimmed and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cracked pepper
• Sour cream
• Fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

• Melt butter into a pot over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic and cook through.
• Add leeks and potatoes and pour broth on top.
• Bring to a boil then simmer on low, covered.
• Allow to cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
• Using a hand blender, blend the ingredients into a puree.
• Pour in peas and puree once more. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour into bowl and add sour cream and parsley.