In the vast orchestra of culinary delights, few dishes strike as harmonious a chord as vegan potato leek soup. This humble yet hearty concoction offers a melody of rich flavors and textures, intertwining the earthiness of potatoes with the subtle sweetness of leeks. As the world takes a conscious turn towards plant-based meals, this soup stands as a testament to the fact that one need not compromise taste for the sake of ethics and sustainability.
The origins of potato leek soup trace back through the mists of time, from rustic kitchens in the rolling countryside to bustling urban eateries. But its vegan variant, free from any animal-derived ingredients, is not just a nod to the past, but a bold stride into the future. In a world striving for eco-conscious choices, this adaptation emphasizes the power of simple, whole ingredients coming together to deliver a culinary experience that warms the soul and caresses the palate.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or someone looking to dabble in the plant-based realm, this potato leek soup recipe is a classic vegan soup to be revered. As the golden broth dances with delicate pieces of potato and leek, every spoonful becomes a testament to nature’s bounty. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the best of what the earth has to offer.
Potatoes are one of the most economical foods out there. They’re comforting, they’re filling, and they’re outright delicious. Did you know they’re also rich in vitamins and minerals? The secret’s in the skin! Peeling potatoes can greatly impact their nutritional content so unless you’re truly averse to it, leave it on!
One medium baked potato contains the following nutritional contents:
What else is so great about potatoes, you ask? Well, they also contain a unique type of starch called resistant starch. This type of starch is actually not broken down and fully absorbed by the body. Instead, it reaches the large intestine where it becomes a source of nutrients for the beneficial bacteria in your gut! This starch has been linked to many health benefits, including reducing insulin resistance, which, in turn, improves blood sugar control.
Leeks are in a league of their own when it comes to health advantages, offering a variety of antioxidants, beta carotene (which supports healthy vision), vitamin K, and manganese.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Opt for Yukon Gold for a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the soup. Red-skinned potatoes also work well.
Celery: Celery adds a subtle earthy taste and contributes to the soup’s aromatic base, providing depth of flavor to the dish.
Parsley: Fresh parsley lends a vibrant, herbaceous essence and a pop of color, enhancing the soup’s visual appeal while adding a mild, fresh flavor.
Leeks: Leeks, with their mild onion-like taste, form a key flavor base for the soup, adding a delicate and slightly sweet dimension.
Vegetable Broth: Use vegetable broth or stock to infuse the soup with essential flavors and provide a hearty base.
Coconut Cream: Coconut cream adds a luxurious, creamy texture to the soup, complementing the earthiness of the vegetables and bringing a subtle hint of coconut flavor. You can buy canned coconut cream or simply use the top layer of cream from a can of coconut milk.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright and tangy element, balancing the richness of the soup and bringing a touch of acidity for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Sauté Vegetables: Begin by heating olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add potatoes, celery, parsley, and leeks. Cook and stir occasionally until the vegetables are soft, which usually takes about 8-12 minutes.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable stock (or vegan broth) and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Adjust Texture: Choose to keep the soup chunky or achieve a smoother texture by blending it in a high-speed blender according to your preference.
Final Seasoning: Stir in the coconut cream and season the soup to taste with lemon juice, salt, and white pepper for a delightful finish.
Soup is one of the best foods for preparing in bulk! If you end up with leftovers, stick some in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. Because potatoes sponge up moisture, they can become grainy when defrosted so freezing is not recommended but if you insist, stick in an air-tight container or freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
When ready to defrost, remove from the freezer the night before or run your frozen container or bag under warm water to defrost. Placing in a bowl of water also works well! Just make sure you have one that’s large enough!
If you try this Vegan Potato Leek Soup let us know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Fa
This Vegan Potato Leek Soup recipe is from Dining at The Ravens by Jeff and Joan Stanford of The Stanford Inn By the Sea, published with permission from BenBella Books. Photos by Amanda McGillicuddy for World of Vegan, all rights reserved.
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Potato soup is the best! This recipe is especially tasty with the added leeks. Perfect for a spring brunch or dinner. Love it!
I didn’t discover leeks until I was an adult, but now I LOVE them!!! I feel so fancy making this dairy-free potato leek soup recipe, it makes me feel like an actual chef in my very causal kitchen.
Creamy and delicious!! Love this soup!
My kind of soup!
Such a great soup!!!