Norwegian Potato and Leek Soup
Purresuppe
A comforting and creamy soup made with potatoes and leeks, often enhanced with bacon or other savory additions. This is a classic Norwegian dish that is both simple and satisfying.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 large Leeks(white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced)
- 600 g Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1.5 l Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- 5 dl Milk
- 3 dl Heavy Cream(optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp White Pepper(or to taste)
- 4 slices Bacon(cooked and crumbled, for garnish (optional))
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme(chopped, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: clean and slice the leeks, peel and cube the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
💡 Tip: Ensure leeks are thoroughly washed to remove any grit. - 2
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and milk. Season with salt and white pepper.
💡 Tip: If using heavy cream, you can add it now or towards the end of cooking. - 5
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
- 6
Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
💡 Tip: Be cautious when blending hot liquids. - 7
If using heavy cream and did not add it earlier, stir it in now. Heat gently without boiling.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - 8
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with crumbled crispy bacon and fresh thyme, if desired. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This soup is also delicious served with crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can sauté some diced bacon or pancetta before adding the leeks and onions.
- ✓If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of it.
- ✓A pinch of nutmeg can add a subtle warmth to the soup.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a parsnip along with the potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Stir in some cooked ham or shredded chicken towards the end of cooking.
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and a plant-based milk/cream alternative, and omit the bacon garnish.