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    Chef Cindy » Recipes » Vegan » Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Leeks & Chili Pepper Flakes

    Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Leeks & Chili Pepper Flakes

    Published: Mar 3, 2020 | Modified: Jan 11, 2022 by Chef Cindy | Leave a Comment

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    Potato leek soup in bowls with toppings of leeks and chili pepper flakes
    Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Leeks & Chili Pepper Flakes

    Food = Nourishment = Memories

    Although we all know the main purpose of food is for nourishment, there are also many sentiments attached to food which can bring back memories. Sometimes it can remind us of places we’ve traveled to, or a person we ate that particular meal with. Food can also bring comfort, not only because it tastes good, but for the childhood stories attached to it. Potato Leek Soup is one of those dishes that holds a special place in my heart!

    When I make potato leek soup, it brings me back to my childhood. My Scottish neighbor, whom my family was very close to, used to make a version of this soup referred to as Cock-a-leekie. It is known as “Scotland’s National Soup” and is made with chicken stock, leeks, assorted vegetables, and barley or rice to thicken it. My neighbor, (a.k.a. “Uncle” Arthur because anyone close to our family instantly became my aunt or uncle), would use instant mashed potatoes to thicken it, and a chunk of butter for extra flavor. It is a “comfort food” memory for me and has influenced my taste buds to replicate over the years.

    My version of Potato Leek Soup Recipe is a “wee” bit healthier and vegan, with a special twist of toppings for some extra flavor. I use “real” russet potatoes, vegetable broth and no dairy at all. I always enjoy a little bit of texture so the crispy “fried” leeks on top are a nice addition to the soup. Top it with some store bought chili pepper flakes for a little kick or you can even make your own chili pepper flakes for a special touch!

    So whatever your memory or version of potato leek soup is, be creative and enjoy!

    How do you make Vegan Potato Leek Soup?

    It is quite simple to convert the recipe to a vegan version. Simply substitute butter with olive oil, chicken stock with vegetable broth and dairy with coconut milk.

    • Chopped vegetables in a pot for potato leek soup with crispy leeks and chili pepper flakes
      Sauté onions, leeks and garlic in olive oil
    • Pot of potato leek soup
      Add potatoes, broth and herbs
    Cook for 30 minutes, then purée
    A bowl of soup, with Leek soup
    Print
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    Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Leeks & Chili Pepper Flakes

    • Author: Chef Cindy
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 40
    • Total Time: 50 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    • Category: Soup
    • Method: Cook, Instant Pot
    • Cuisine: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Potato Leek Soup is healthy and super easy to make any day of the week. Using coconut milk helps to make it creamy and vegan – no dairy required!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    2 teaspoons olive oil

    ½ large onion (1 cup), diced

    2 leeks (1 leek set aside for frying)

    1 garlic clove (optional), chopped

    5 medium russet potatoes (5 cups) 

     1 teaspoon salt

    1 bay leaf

    3 sprigs thyme

    6 cups vegetable broth

    1 teaspoon lemon juice

    1 cup coconut milk

    3 tablespoons (high heat) grape seed oil

    chives, chopped

    red chili pepper flakes

     


    Instructions

    1. Peel, clean & cube the potatoes. Dice onion. Trim off the root end of the leek and most of the green end. Cut the leek in half lengthwise. remove the outer layer and slice. Rinse well. 
    2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil, in a dutch oven or a large pot. Cook onions for 5 minutes, then add leeks and garlic. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. 
    3. Add the potatoes, salt, bay leaf, thyme and vegetable broth. Partially cover and cook for 30 minutes.
    4. While the soup is cooking, cut and fry the leeks – Clean and trim the leek the same as in Step 1. Cut the leek into 3 inch lengthwise strips (cut in ½ lengthwise and them into strips). Dry the leeks thoroughly. Heat 3 tablespoons grape seed oil in a small fry pan. Add leeks in small batches, remove with tongs when golden brown and place on paper towels to soak up excess oil. Set the fried leeks aside when done,
    5. When potatoes are done, remove the bay leaf and thyme. Use a hand immersion blender or a mixer to puree the soup. Stir in the lemon juice and coconut milk. Heat on low until desired temperature is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    6. Ladle into bowls and top with fried leeks and red chili pepper flakes.

    Notes

    *Cooks in half the time using an Instant Pot 

    Keywords: potato leek soup recipe vegan, potato leek soup vegan, healthy potato leek soup

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    Hi, I'm Cindy! Vegan chef with a flexitarian palate and a passion for inspiring new ideas in the kitchen! 

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