This hearty potato soup recipe has a secret ingredient that gives it amazing taste! Part of the Sunday Supper series at On Sutton Place.
At least once a week, sometimes more, I take dinner to my parents. We have a rotation of their favorite dishes but every now and then we try to think of something new. A few weeks ago my dad suggested potato soup but followed it up with the comment that his mother made the best potato soup ever. OK. Was that a challenge? I am not the cook my Grandma was for sure, but I felt like I needed to see what I could come up with. I knew I had a hearty potato soup recipe given to me by a neighbor but I hadn’t made it in years. I dug it out and got started.
One of the ingredients that gives this recipe its amazing flavor is the addition of a leek. If you are like me, the first time I made this soup, I wasn’t sure what a leek was. It looks like a giant green onion but has a very different taste. To prepare a leek just chop off both ends and discard. You should have about a 6 inch piece that includes both the green and white parts. It has a lot of layers so wash it very well under running water. Slice it in half length-wise, then slice each half in thirds. Finely chop the 6 slices and add it to your pot. If the layers sort of fall apart just keep chopping. That’s all there is to it.
UPDATE 12/18/2015: I feel like I need to say something about my method for chopping a leek. I have had comments on Pinterest from people saying that this method wastes too much of the leek. One woman even called me out on Twitter. If you want to use the whole leek, by all means do so. Personally, I don’t like the dark green ends so I always cut them off. Who knew that a leek could cause such controversy? Ha!
The only thing I didn’t like about this hearty potato soup recipe was the fact that it took two pots. Other than that, it was easy and quick.
Hearty Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 to 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 leek finely chopped
- 3 large potatoes or 6 regular size red potatoes peeled and chopped in 1/2 in. cubes
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 box chicken broth 32 oz.
- 5 Tablespooms butter
- 1/3 cup Flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup Milk
Instructions
- In a large soup pot on medium heat melt 4 Tablespoons butter. Add onion, celery and leek. Saute for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and potatoes. Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork soft.
- In a separate sauce pan, melt 5 Tablespoons butter. Add flour and whisk. Combine milk with half-and-half. Slowly pour into flour/butter mixture. Whisk constantly until it comes to a full boil and thickens.
- Add the milk mixture to the potato/chicken broth pot. Simmer for a few minutes stirring to mix well.
- Top with grated cheese and crumbled bacon if desired.
Notes
Drain 2 cans of clams reserving the clam juice. Add the clam juice when you add the chicken broth. Add the reserved clams at the very end right before serving.
Both my parents gave it their stamp of approval although my dad did mention he didn’t think his mother’s recipe called for chicken broth. Oh well…can’t win them all. I asked if they wanted it added to the winter rotation and they both said yes. Whew. I try to test all my recipes twice if I can before I post them. The second time I made this I added clams and clam juice to make a New England Clam Chowder. It was really good and got the thumbs up from my husband.
UPDATE 4/6/2018: For those of you who have been around for a while, you know my mom passed away in February of 2016. I am in the process of updating and organizing all my recipes. When I came upon this one that mentioned a meal when my mom was alive…well, for just a minute, it felt like she was still here. If you make this soup, I hope you enjoy it with your family. If your mom is close-by, share some with her.Â
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Jane says
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 4:45 pmLooks yummy, I need to try this. Can this go in a crockpot?
Ann Drake says
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 11:08 amI’m not an expert at cooking in the crockpot…but I don’t see why you couldn’t use one. If you do, let us know how it comes out!
Elaine Wesselman says
Friday, July 12, 2019 at 9:14 pmAnn I would love to be your neighbor too! Lol
Patricia Bopst says
Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 6:09 pmI don’t like to use the dark green part of the leek. It’s too woody and hard. Love this recipe. Thank You For Sharing it. WishingYou And Yours A Safe And Happy New Year 🎊🎈
Cathy Hughes says
Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 3:00 pmAnne, How many people does your potato soup serve? I need to know by tomorrow(10/19/18 as I am having lunch for family and there will be 6. I do enjoy your blog and think I have been following you since almost the beginning. thanks
Ann Drake says
Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 4:50 pmHi Cathy! You should be able to get six 8 oz. servings from one batch of soup. If you are serving it as the main course and using bigger bowls, I would double the recipe. You could double it anyway and that way you would have leftovers. I hope this helps!
Connie says
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 11:27 pmAnn,
I am really anxious to try your soup. Could you tell me what type of flavor the leek has? Is it strong? Like an onion or what? I’ve never tried one.
Ps: I love your blog, design ideas and store. Keep up the great work!!
Ann Drake says
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 4:12 pmHi Connie…I’m sorry to be so late with an answer. The leek adds the most wonderful taste. It’s not strong at all. If you are worried about the taste, just add half the leek the first time you make the soup. Enjoy!
DeAnn Gilkey says
Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 8:36 amI’m excited to make this yummy soup! Thanks for sharing.
Barbara says
Monday, April 9, 2018 at 10:02 amAnn, I enjoy your blog so much. I thought I would check out these recipes and they all sound so good. I especially love a rich potato soup and was especially touched by your comment about your mother. It really touched my heart. I certainly would share with my mom if she were still here, although I’m sure she is enjoying a Heavenly Feast!
Have a wonderful day and keep your style, home making ideas and recipes coming! I would love to be your neighbor!
Joy says
Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 7:52 pmLove your update, Ann. I just lost my mom. It is so very hard. She made clam chowder, too, so I’m going to make your version in honor of her.
Lainey says
Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 11:15 amAS, this was excellent.. Add 2 strips of crisped bacon (crumbled) and paired it with rosemary crusty bread..Warm winter meal!
Thank you..
Michelle Morrison says
Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 1:24 amAnn, I made this tonight and it was so easy and SO GOOD! Next time I will try the clam chowder variation, but this soup stands alone perfectly! I did add a little bacon and chives along with the cheese as a garnish, but it wasn’t really necessary. My husband literally licked the pot clean! Thank you for all you do for us with your site….your recipes and decor ideas are simple yet elegant and they don’t break the bank in the least.
Pam H says
Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 1:06 amAnn. I have a fix for your two pot issue. After sauté onions leeks etc, add flour on to those. And then add broth. Boil. Then add milk after potatoes done. I also add cauliflower. Love your blog!
Pamela @ FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com says
Friday, December 26, 2014 at 10:13 amThis looks great. I need to pop some in the slow cooker and have it be ready when I get home from work. Thanks for the tip of working with leeks.
Melinda says
Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 5:39 pmmy mother made the same soup,I love this !!
Karen says
Monday, December 22, 2014 at 2:16 pmMmmm! I’m guessing some crisply fried bacon would be a wonderful addition to your potato soup.
rose miller says
Monday, January 29, 2018 at 2:07 pmbacon was the only ingredient that was missing in every recipe I could find for potato soup.thank you!!!
Wil says
Monday, December 22, 2014 at 8:07 amHave NEVER cooked a leek. Have always been afraid to try. Thanks especially for the howto of cleaning and cutting. My son loves clam chowder. Will try the recipe. Am new to your site, but love it,
Ann Drake says
Monday, December 22, 2014 at 7:15 pmHi Wil…thank you for taking the time to say hi. Welcome to On Sutton Place!
Mary says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 7:44 pmWill have to use leek next time in my potato soup. I always put a dash of cayenne pepper in our potato soup. Really gives it a nice flavor.
Ellie LaJuett says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 5:25 pmI like potato soup and this recipe looks easy and tasty thanks for your great blogs!
Carole says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 5:16 pmGreat! I love almost any soup, but potato soup and/or clam chowder are very satisfying and filling, and really fit the bill on these cold (and sometimes nasty) days. Well Ann, you did it again….came up with another winner. I’ll be trying this one. Hope it freezes well.
Thanks, and enjoy the upcoming holidays.
Barbara Vance says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 4:10 pmMy Mother never added chicken broth either, but used whole milk from our cow. She also made cornbread griddle cakes for us. This recipes brings back happy memories. Merry Christmas. I enjoy your blog.
shelley says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 2:57 pmwe love potato leek soup…but YES you must wash well…then some more…it’s a very sandy veggie…
Donnamae says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 2:25 pmI had wonderful potato leek soup at my son’s wedding…it was divine. Haven’t found a recipe until now. This sounds like a great place to start! Thanks! ;)
Nancy Bailey says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 1:17 pmThanks Ann. Always looking for good soup recipes. I will be trying it with the clams. Also, it seems it would be good with cooked and chopped thick sliced bacon pieces. I’ll try that and let you know how that turns out. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
Kathleen G says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 12:51 pmI have not incorporate leeks in any of my soups. Try something new will be my New Years revolution. Have a very Merry Christmas Ann with your family. My sister lives close by to our mom and helps with meals, besides cleaning and such. Very blessed to have her nearby. Kathleen in Az
Shelia says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 11:57 amThis looks delicious! I am going to go for the New England Clam Chowder – my family loves it but I’ve never tried to make it myself. P.S. I always add chicken broth to my soups!
Thanks for sharing!
Shelia
Peggy Zortman says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 10:55 amThis sounds yummy! I have never used a leek in potatoe soup, so I am going to try it for something different. It is just in time for the cold dreary days we are having. Merry Christmas!
Dawn says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 10:31 amI love any kind of soup and also love leeks. I soak mine in cold water and ice for about 20 minutes before using them to get most of the sand out of them. I bet your Dad will love it.
debbiedoos says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 10:02 amLOL! Your Dad cracks me up! It looks delish. We love leeks. I will have to try this.
Betty Lou Cross says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 9:34 amNot being a lover of potatoes I have never made potato soup but hubby and son might like it, so will give your recipe a try. Using a leek will be a new experience. Your a good daughter taking your parents dinner once a week, I am sure they appreciate it. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and family.
Joleen says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 8:48 amI came across your blog when I was searching for free printables! I love your style and I will def give this recipe a try! It’s actually cold in Arizona right now so this soup is perfect ! Thank you so much!
Sandy says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 8:44 amPotato soup is one of our family favorites and now we have another favorite to add to our list of soups – Shaker Chicken Noodle Soup. I’ll try a leek next time I make potato soup which is on the menu for next weekend. Keep the delicious recipes coming, Ann.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Sharon says
Thursday, January 1, 2015 at 10:23 pmI made your soup today for my husband and myself. We both liked it. I will definitely make it again.
Dotti Schuck says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 8:30 amDear Ann, Just wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year. I just love all your ideas and recipes. I look forward every day to hearing from you. Keep it going Ann!
Carol D. says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 8:12 amThank you so much for the picture of the leek with the cutting lines…I never knew how to use leeks. I do have a potato soup recipe that I love too but would like to add leeks and now I can! Your recipe sounds delicious and I thought the chicken broth was a great idea….
Mona says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 8:09 amThank you Ann for another yummy recipe. I enjoy all your posts and wonderful ideas.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Heather B. says
Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 7:43 amThis recipe sounds delicous and comforting! I make soups in the winter and I plan to add it to my rotation :)
I have so enjoyed all your December/Christmas posts this year!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Heather in Canada