Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Beef Bacon
This creamy potato leek soup with beef bacon is a comforting dish that warms the soul. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, it’s perfect for chilly days.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced
- 3 large leeks, cleaned and sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 6 strips of thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the 6 strips of bacon for about 10 minutes until crispy. Be careful not to burn them, as they will become bitter.
- Remove the bacon from the pot and let it drain on a paper towel. Leave the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the 1 diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add the 3 sliced leeks and the 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the leeks are soft and fragrant.
- Add the 4 peeled and diced potatoes, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, and 1 bay leaf. Stir well to combine the spices evenly.
- Pour in the 4 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy. Alternatively, you can blend it in batches in a stand blender, but be careful not to overheat it.
- Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and reheat the soup without bringing it to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Before serving, add the crispy bacon back into the soup and optionally garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Serve the soup hot in bowls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Avoid boiling the soup too vigorously after adding the cream to maintain its creaminess. Use fresh herbs for a more intense flavor, and consider adding cheese or spices for variations.