Creamy Leek Soup

Updated Feb. 3, 2023

Creamy Leek Soup
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
50 minutes
Rating
5(832)
Comments
Read comments

I usually pair leeks with potatoes to make a creamy puree, but this time I used basmati rice, and the results are comforting and delicious. You could add something creamy to this if you wanted to – yogurt or milk or creme fraiche. But I found it utterly satisfying with no further enrichment.

Featured in: Soups That Taste Like Spring

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
    Subscribe
  • Print Options


Advertisement


Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 1tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
  • 4garlic cloves, minced
  • 7cups chicken stock, vegetable stock or water
  • ½cup basmati rice
  • 1bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne (optional)
  • Optional

    • ½cup milk, plain yogurt or a combination of milk and creme fraiche

    For Garnish

    • Chopped chives and/or croutons
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

269 calories; 10 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 36 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 10 grams protein; 943 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by
Cooking Newsletter illustration

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot and add the leeks and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until leeks are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for about a minute, until the garlic smells fragrant. Add the stock or water, the rice, bay leaf and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. Remove the bay leaf and discard.

  2. Step 2

    Puree the soup with an immersion blender or a food mill, or in batches in a blender, taking care to remove the lid or take out the center insert and to cover with a towel to avoid hot splashes. Return to the pot, heat through, and add pepper to taste and a pinch of cayenne if desired. Serve hot or cold. If you wish you can thin out with milk, plain yogurt or a combination of milk and creme fraiche. Garnish with chopped chives or croutons.

Tip
  • Advance preparation: The soup will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Ratings

5 out of 5
832 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Comments

Very comforting soup. Subbed 1 small white potato for 1/2 the basmati rice. Used 6 cups of chicken stock and 1/2 cup white wine. This soup is very creamy; doesn't seem to need cream or creme fraiche. Lovely soup.

This is my favourite soup recipe. I add red chili flakes when serving which adds a nice heat to it.

I want to add that I like the idea of using rice instead of potatoes because I think that will make this recipe freeze better.

this soup is a new favourite for my family and i. two younger siblings who are picky eaters simply loved it, finished the entire thing in a day.

This was excellent! used about 4 cups of stock and 1.5-2 cups of water and that was the perfect liquid ratio ( having more stock than water really helped the flavor). Add plenty of pepper at the end / continue tasting as you add to get it perfect. I’m happy I excluded the dairy, it was great without it.

Added a few thyme pieces when adding garlic and one medium russet potato with liquid and reduced the rice by half. Finished w chives and creme fraiche. Delicious!

Private comments are only visible to you.

Advertisement

or to save this recipe.