If you’re looking for some other delicious Irish dishes (say that three times fast!), be sure to try our Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Dublin Coddle, Sticky Toffee Pudding, or Shepherd’s Pie!
You will love Leek Potato Soup
Leeks and potatoes are both classic ingredients in Irish cooking. They grow well in Irish soil, and were staple crops for many Irish families who could grow both in their gardens. While we may not be as familiar with leeks these days, their mildly-oniony flavor is wonderful, especially once they are sliced and sauteed in a little butter to make them tender and delicious. Despite their subtle flavor, leeks combine with potatoes to make this wonderful soup that our family enjoys during the cold winter months, which is perfect since leeks are in season from October through May.
What do Leeks Taste Like?
Leeks are in the same family as onions, shallots, scallions, and garlic, which you might guess by the shape and color of a leek, since leeks look a lot like a giant green onion. But they tend to be quite a bit milder than the other allium vegetables, and while still tasting similar to onions, they don’t have the same pungent aroma and powerful bite that most onions have. The white and light green parts of the leek can be eaten raw and are crunchy and firm. But the dark green leaves are too tough to be eaten raw and I’ve never cooked with them, although you can throw them into a stockpot to help flavor a homemade broth.
Leek and Potato Soup ingredients
Thick-cut bacon – This is to be either used as a garnish or mixed into the soup at the very end. Butter – To cook with the onions Yukon gold potatoes – Good potatoes for soups because they hold their shape well when cooked. Leeks – they have a good mild taste. Make sure they are thoroughly washed before cooking. Onion Garlic – minced and cooked with the onions. Garlic adds wonderful flavor to soups. Chicken broth Salt Black pepper Fresh thyme – Use the whole thyme sprig in the soup. Heavy Cream – Add the soup at the very end to add richness and creaminess.
How to prepare Leeks for Irish Potato Soup
Since leeks grow up through sandy soil and have many layers, the leek leaves can be full of grit and dirt. Which makes cleaning them super important if you don’t relish the idea of eating gritty soup. Add chopped leeks to a bowl of cold water and swirl them around to remove the dirt and grit. Scoop the rinsed leeks out with a slotted spoon and drain completely before using in the soup. Don’t just pour the rinsed leeks into a colander with the water, since the dirt settles at the bottom of the bowl and you don’t want to pour that over the now clean leeks.
How to cut a Leek for Potato Leek Soup?
To prepare leeks for soup, use a sharp knife to cut off the tougher, dark green leaves and the root end of the leek. I then find it easiest to slice the leek in half lengthwise and proceed to chop it much like I would chop an onion. Leeks generally have quite a bit of sand and dirt between the layers so make sure it is thoroughly washed after or before chopping.
How to make Potato and Leek Soup
What goes with Potato Leek Soup?
You can serve a simple salad tossed with some vinaigrette like this one or some yummy homemade or rustic bread.
How to store Irish Potato Soup
Store the soup in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you have leftover leek soup and you want to enjoy it at a later date, you can freeze it for two to three months. Every time I make this leek and potato soup, my whole family raves about it and asks for second and third helpings. And in the spirit of the Irish and my Irish heritage, here are the lyrics to an Irish blessing song that I learned in high school show choir (yes, I did show choir and was even in the Nebraska All-State Choir my senior year) that we performed a cappella at the close of every concert. To this day, I still have the alto part memorized and sing it to my girls as a bedtime song from time to time. It has always spoken to me. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
More St. Patrick’s Day Recipes You’ll Love
Dublin Coddle (One Pot Irish Potato, Sausage & Onion Stew) Irish Apple Cake with Warm Custard Sauce Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy Irish Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes & Cabbage) Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake with Toffee Sauce Irish Soda Bread
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