Potato, Leek and Ham Soup
RECIPE
This hearty, seasonal Potato and Leek soup is full of flavour and easy to make. A warming comfort food for a cold day.
If you’re looking to eat more seasonal winter foods, potatoes and leeks are the perfect cold-weather ingredients. Potatoes store well and are easily available in winter. Cold-hardy leeks grow throughout the cooler months, and provide a unique flavour twist on ordinary onions.
For this recipe, red or white potatoes such as Chieftains, Red Pontiacs, White Rose or Cascade are good choices. However, you can prepare this soup with any potatoes you have on hand.
Serves 6
6 tablespoons butter
3 leeks, washed well and finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut in small pieces
1 litre (about 1 quart) chicken stock
1 cup water
salt
fresh ground black pepper
170 g (6 oz) cooked ham, diced
1 cup milk or cream (optional)
Suggested garnishes: parsley, green onions or grated cheddar cheese
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium stock pot. Add the leeks and onion and cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until softened but not browned.
Add the potatoes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour the chicken stock and water into the pot and bring to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and ground pepper to taste. Add ham.
Remove the pot from the heat. If you prefer a creamy soup, add a cup of milk or cream when the vegetables are tender. Stir in the remaining butter, in small pieces, until melted.
Delicious served with warm, crusty French bread. Garnish with parsley, green onions or grated cheddar cheese, as desired.
More about potatoes:
Best Ways to Cook Different Potato Varieties
More recipes:
Colourful Scalloped Potatoes
Minestrone with Pesto
THANK YOU for delicious vegetables
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