Potato-Leek Soup Recipe - David Lebovitz (2024)

FAQs

Why does my leek and potato soup taste bitter? ›

Leeks, like onions, can become bitter if they're cooked for too long or at too high a heat. Make sure to sauté leeks over medium heat until they are soft and translucent, not browned. Another reason could be using the green parts of the leek, which are more fibrous and have a stronger flavor.

Why is my potato leek soup gummy? Potatoes should be diced in similar size so they cook evenly, but don't drive yourself crazy getting them teeny-tiny. If they're too small, you risk the potatoes releasing too much starch, which can make the soup gummy when pureed.

Allicin, one of these sulfur compounds, neutralizes free radicals. Hence, it makes leeks a potent anti-inflammatory food. Allicin also protects us against viruses and cancer and supports heart health. Leeks are high in inulin, a soluble fiber that benefits our colon health.

Salt and pepper: Potato Leek Soup requires a significant amount of salt and pepper to awaken the rest of the flavors. If you feel like the soup is missing something at the end of cooking, it probably just needs more salt or pepper – so adjust to taste.

It looks as though some of your potatoes might have got a bit scorched. Did you fry them off before adding the liquid? The colour from the browned potatoes could be what is turning it brown.

It's important not to chop them too finely before cooking. Keeping them in medium-ish sized chunks should work best. If the potatoes are chopped too finely, then too much starch will be released into the broth, resulting in a gummy-like texture.

Combine cornstarch and a little bit of water—or the chicken stock from the soup—in a small bowl. With the soup simmering over medium-low heat, whisk in the slurry. The soup should start to thicken almost immediately.

It turns out, then, that contrary to internet opinion, it is possible to redeem your potato leek soup if somehow it becomes gluey. Ladle some into a freezer bag, freeze it flat, thaw it, and pour off the water.

Season leeks with soy, maple, sesame oil, and mirin. Top with sliced garlic and a few knobs of butter around the outside of the pan. Add just enough stock to cover leeks halfway, bring to a boil and pop into over to roast until caramelized and tender when pierced with a knife.

Is it OK to reheat leek and potato soup? ›

Soup can be prepared in advance and heated when required. Cool before putting in the fridge or freezing. Remember to only reheat leftovers once and to use within two days.

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

Onions, artichokes, garlic and leeks all contain fructans – carbs that can cause gas and bloating.

Leeks are rich in flavonoids, especially one called kaempferol. Flavonoids are antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties, as well as other health benefits.

Leeks are a healthy food and, like most foods, can be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Eating large amounts of leeks, however, can have some negative effects. First, leeks are high in fiber and can cause digestive discomfort, bloating, and gas if consumed in large amounts.

Bitterness is best counteracted by salt, so give it a good seasoning. You might also try adding a little mild vinegar like white wine or cider vinegar.

Add sweet vegetables like carrots and beets. They will sweeten the broth and deepen its color. You might also add a bit of miso (or salt) and/or a squeeze of lemon juice. Sweet, salt and acid balance bitter flavors.

Onion skins, herb stems, peppercorns, brassicas, bitter greens, and tough celery greens are some of the suspected causes of bitter broth.