Savory Leek Soup Recipes

Steps:

• Wash sliced leeks in a large bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out and drain well in a colander.
• Cook leeks, onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper in 4 tablespoons butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Peel potato and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, then add to onion mixture along with wine, stock, water, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
• Stir in parsley and simmer soup, uncovered, 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf and keep soup at a bare simmer.
• Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, then add flour and cook roux, whisking, until golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 cups simmering stock (from soup), whisking vigorously (mixture will be thick), then whisk mixture into remaining soup and return to a simmer, whisking.
• Blend soup in 4 batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), about 1 minute per batch, transferring to a 3- to 4-quart saucepan. Reheat if necessary, then season with salt and pepper.
• Beat cream in a bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until it almost forms soft peaks. Serve soup topped with cream.

Steps:

• In a good-sized pot, melt butter with oil over medium heat. Wait till the foam from the butter calms down, then add leeks, cook until wilted slightly, and bright green, add garlic, cook for 1 minute.
• Add 4 Tbsp flour, cook a minute or two, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn, until it turns a richer colour of yellow.
• Next, gradually, while stirring, add chicken stock, until all is incorporated, and you do not have lumps. Use a whisk if necessary.
• Add potatoes, savory, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Cook till potatoes are tender, with the lid ajar, over medium-low heat.
• Remove about a cup of the potatoes.
• Stir in 1 cup heavy cream.
• Mash the reserved 1 cup of potatoes slightly, then stir back into the soup.
• Check for seasoning and serve!