Description
This comforting leek and celery soup is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal made with tender leeks, celery, potatoes, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, it blends hearty vegetables with bright notes of lemon for a balanced and nourishing dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large leeks (about 3 cups), halved and thinly sliced, washed well
- 1/3 cup shallots, finely minced (1-2 large shallots)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups celery, thinly sliced
- 5-6 large yellow potatoes, chopped (~3 cups)
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Liquids & Fats
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (regular or vegan)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Seasonings
- 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Leeks and Shallots: Add olive oil to a soup pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the sliced leeks and minced shallots. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the leeks without browning them to avoid bitterness.
- Add Garlic and Other Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then add butter, sliced celery, chopped potatoes, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Sauté Vegetables: Continue cooking the mixture for another 7 minutes, stirring every minute or two to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and lemon juice. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use a high-speed, heat-safe blender or an immersion blender to purée the soup in the pot until it becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to wash the leeks thoroughly to remove any grit inside.
- You can substitute vegan butter to make this soup dairy-free.
- The lemon juice adds brightness; adjust to your taste.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, pulse the blender less or reserve some vegetables before blending.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
