Danish Potato and Leek Soup (Kartoffelsuppe med Porre)
A comforting and creamy Danish potato and leek soup, often seasoned with thyme and served with a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of cream. It's a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a chilly day.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and cubed (e.g., Maris Piper or King Edward))
- 3 large Leeks(white and light green parts only, washed and sliced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1.5 L Vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 100 ml Heavy cream(optional, for richness)
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme(chopped, or 1/2 tsp dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- for serving Crème fraîche or sour cream
- for garnish Fresh chives(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced leeks and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes, being careful not to brown them.
- 2
Add the cubed potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
- 3
Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
- 4
Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and fresh thyme. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently reheat the soup if necessary, but do not boil.
- 5
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure leeks are thoroughly washed to remove any grit.
- ✓For a lighter soup, omit the heavy cream.
- ✓A pinch of nutmeg can add a subtle warmth.
- ✓Serve with crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf during simmering for extra depth of flavor.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like parsnips or celery root.
- For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter and omit the cream, or use a plant-based cream.