Potato and Leek Soup: Delight or Disaster?

The weather is turning colder, and this means it’s time for SOUP!  Okay, my Northern Hemisphere readers are probably sick of soup, but this Tasty Tuesday, I am making Potato and Leek Soup.

I had some leeks in the fridge that needed to be eaten very soon (or else tossed into the compost bin).  In addition, five medium-sized red potatoes that had started sprouting eyes were added to the ingrediants.  Also on hand, and also included, was a 2/3 full can of coconut cream (left over from a Thai dish late last week), an already-cooked slice of shoulder bacon, and about a cup of shredded colby (cheddar) cheese.  I also used one hot chili, a scallion, fresh ginger, and fresh garlic.

Here is how I made Potato & Leek Soup:

1.  Finely chop garlic, ginger, chili, bacon, and scallions.  Leave some of the green part of the scallion for finishing.

2. Peel and cube the potatoes; slice the leeks length-wise, wash, and finely chop.  Set aside.

3. In a frying pan with lid, saute the chopped garlic, ginger, chili, and scallion in a good amount of olive oil on medium heat.

4. Add the cubed potatoes and four cups (about 1 litre) of hot water. *Hot water will not cool the food already in the pan.

5. Add the chopped leeks and stir.

6. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

7.  Transfer the mixture from the frying pan to a mixing bowl (or blender or food processor).  Blend until smooth.

8.  Add the coconut milk (about 1/2 cup) and mix.

9.  Pour into bowls, top with shredded cheese, bacon pieces, and scallions.  Enjoy!

Serves: 8

Prep time: 30 minutes

Results:

This soup was absolutely fantastic!  From the creamy coconut flavour to the gentle kick from the chilis, this was a crowd pleaser!  All but one at 20 Derby tried it and loved it - and I had plenty for lunch the next day.  The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; I will be whipping up old vegetables and leftovers into “Potato-and-(Something) Soup” again very soon.  For those not in hot soup mood, this would be a fantastic one to try cold.

This Tasty Tuesday was a definite DELIGHT!

Did you try this receipe?  How did it turn out?  Leave your comments in the “Comments” section!