Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

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by Dian

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Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Potatoes and leeks come together in this Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe, creating a warm and creamy dish perfect for any occasion. This soup is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will love.

Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Preparation: With minimal chopping and no need for constant attention, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
  • Rich Flavor: Slow cooking enhances the natural sweetness of leeks and potatoes, creating a velvety texture.
  • Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
  • Comfort Food: This creamy soup warms you up from the inside out, making it a go-to comfort food during colder months.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Immersion blender (or food processor/blender)
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors develop while you go about your day.
  • Immersion blender: Perfect for blending your soup right in the pot, reducing mess and making cleanup easier.
Slow

Ingredients

Potatoes and leeks slow cooked to perfection, blended with a generous amount of cream.

For the Soup

  • 2 large leeks (sliced)
  • 3 Tbsp. salted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 lbs. yukon gold potatoes
  • 7 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp. dried leaf thyme (not ground))
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • fresh chives (chopped (garnish))

How to Make Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Leeks

Slice the leeks, discarding the thick green pieces at the ends. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced leeks to the skillet. Cook until the leeks are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the softened leeks and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Peel the yukon gold potatoes if desired and chop them into chunks. Add them to the slow cooker along with the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Add Chicken Broth

Pour in 7 cups of chicken broth over all ingredients in the slow cooker. Securely close the lid.

Step 4: Cook

Set your slow cooker on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours. Allow it to work its magic until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Blend and Serve

Once cooked, remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs if using fresh ones. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth but be careful not to over-blend; you want some texture! If using a regular blender or food processor, blend in small batches. Stir in heavy cream and blend lightly again. Garnish with chopped chives before serving hot with crusty bread.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Serving Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup is a delightful way to bring warmth and comfort to your table. This creamy soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and create a satisfying meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

  • Freshly baked baguette slices or sourdough are perfect for dipping into the soup, adding texture and heartiness.

Topped with Crispy Shallots

  • Sprinkle crispy fried shallots on top for an added crunch and a burst of flavor that complements the smoothness of the soup.

With Fresh Herbs

  • A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can brighten up the dish, offering a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.

Accompanied by Salad

  • A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette can balance the creamy texture of the soup, making it a refreshing accompaniment.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

To make your Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup even better, consider these helpful tips for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh leeks and potatoes to enhance the natural flavors in your soup.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
  • Control Creaminess: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with half-and-half.
  • Blend Wisely: Be careful not to over-blend; leaving some potato chunks adds a nice texture.
  • Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different herbs like chives or thyme for varied flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup can turn it into a full meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the soup beautifully.

  1. Garlic Bread
    Toasted bread infused with garlic butter makes an irresistible side, perfect for dipping in the soup.

  2. Mixed Green Salad
    A simple salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing crunch alongside the creamy soup.

  3. Cheese Platter
    Create a platter with various cheeses such as cheddar, brie, and goat cheese to add rich flavors to your meal.

  4. Roasted Vegetables
    Roasting seasonal vegetables enhances their sweetness and provides a great contrast to the smooth texture of the soup.

  5. Quiche
    A slice of vegetable quiche or cheese quiche adds heartiness while remaining light enough not to overpower the soup.

  6. Stuffed Mushrooms
    These bite-sized treats can be filled with cheese, herbs, or breadcrumbs, making them a delicious finger food option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow cooking can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that can affect your Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

  • Skipping the leeks prep – Not cleaning leeks properly can leave grit in your soup. Always slice and rinse them thoroughly.
  • Overcooking the garlic – Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter. Add it just before the leeks are softened for a milder flavor.
  • Using low-quality broth – The flavor of your soup relies on good broth. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for the best results.
  • Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Tasting is key! Adjust salt and pepper after blending to ensure the flavors pop.
  • Blending too much – Over-blending can turn your soup into a puree. Blend just until smooth for a nice texture.
Slow

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

    • Timeframe: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.

Freezing Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

    • Timeframe: Freeze for up to 3 months.
    • Containers: Opt for freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

  • Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
  • Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently, until hot.
  • Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe, along with their answers.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I store leftover potato leek soup?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker potato leek soup recipe?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or even spinach can be excellent additions for extra flavor and nutrients.

What is the best way to blend the soup?

An immersion blender works best for achieving a creamy consistency without transferring hot soup between containers.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different herbs or vegetables according to your taste. Enjoy this creamy delight with crusty bread, and don’t hesitate to try your own variations!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe


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  • Author: Dian
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Description

Delight in the comforting warmth of this Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings alike. This creamy, hearty soup combines the natural sweetness of leeks with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, creating a velvety texture that will warm you from the inside out. With minimal preparation time and effortless slow cooking, this recipe is not only delicious but also allows you to enjoy a hands-off cooking experience. Serve it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Enjoy this nourishing bowl of goodness that everyone will love!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large leeks (sliced)
  • 3 Tbsp salted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (chopped)
  • 7 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp. dried leaf thyme)
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the leeks by slicing and rinsing thoroughly. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat, add minced garlic and leeks, and cook until softened (5-7 minutes).
  2. Transfer the leeks and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add chopped potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, cover with the lid securely, and set your slow cooker on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours until potatoes are tender.
  4. Once cooked, remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs if using fresh ones. Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth but retain some texture. Stir in heavy cream and blend lightly again.
  5. Garnish with chopped chives before serving hot.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (high) or 8 hours (low)
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup / 240g
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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