If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and flavorful soup, this leek soup recipe is the perfect choice! Leek is a versatile vegetable that can elevate any dish, and this soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and nourishing meal. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or as an appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 leeks (cleaned and chopped)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 piece chopped onion
• 2 cloves of chopped garlic
• 1 piece cube-diced carrot
• 1 piece cube-diced potato
• 1 overfull tablespoon of flour (heaped tablespoon)
• 6 cups of cold water (or 6 water glasses)
• 1 cup bone broth (or 1 water glass)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 overfull tablespoon of butter
• 1 overfull tablespoon of red powdered pepper (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Leeks

1. Clean and Chop the Leeks:
   • Start by cleaning the leeks thoroughly under running water, making sure to remove any dirt or grit from the layers. Once cleaned, chop the leeks into thin slices.
2. Chop Other Vegetables:
   • Cube-dice the carrot and potato, and chop the onion and garlic finely.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Olive Oil:
   • In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
3. Sauté the Leeks:
   • Add the chopped leeks to the pot and sauté them along with the onion and garlic for another 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the leeks soften evenly.
4. Add the Carrot and Potato:
   • Toss in the cube-diced carrot and potato. Continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Liquid

1. Sprinkle the Flour:
   • Add 1 overfull tablespoon of flour to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the flour. This will help to thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.
2. Pour in the Water and Bone Broth:
   • Gradually add 6 cups of cold water and 1 cup of bone broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps from the flour. The cold water will ensure that the flour mixes smoothly.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Season the Soup:
   • Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
2. Bring to a Boil:
   • Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
3. Simmer:
   • Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any vegetables from sticking to the bottom. The potatoes and carrots should become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Blend and Add Lemon Juice

1. Blend the Soup (Optional):
   • If you prefer a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. You can also blend half of the soup to keep some chunky texture, depending on your preference.
2. Add Lemon Juice:
   • Stir in the juice of 1 lemon for a fresh and tangy flavor. This adds a nice balance to the richness of the soup.

Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Butter Topping

1. Melt the Butter:
   • In a small pan, melt 1 overfull tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Add Red Powdered Pepper:
   • Once the butter is melted, add 1 overfull tablespoon of red powdered pepper and sauté for about 30 seconds. This creates a fragrant, flavorful topping to drizzle over the soup.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve Hot:
   • Ladle the hot leek soup into bowls.
2. Drizzle with Spicy Butter:
   • Drizzle the spicy red pepper butter over the top of the soup for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful color contrast.
3. Garnish with Fresh Herbs (Optional):
   • You can also garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of freshness.
4. Accompany with Bread:
   • Serve with a side of crusty bread or croutons for dipping into the rich, creamy soup.

Tips and Tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Be sure to simmer the vegetables until they’re tender, but not too mushy. This will give the soup the perfect texture and consistency.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, simply simmer it longer to allow it to reduce.
• Make It Creamier: For an even creamier soup, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk toward the end of cooking.
• Vegetarian Option: If you’d like to make this a vegetarian dish, simply omit the bone broth and replace it with vegetable broth.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g