Potato Leek Soup

INGREDIENTS (Serves: 6)

2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 large leeks
2 medium carrots diced
2 stalks celery diced
4-6 cloves garlic minced
2 pounds potato peeled, chopped
5 cups low sodium chicken broth
1-2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
1 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt
½ tsp dried thyme, oregano, rosemary
¼ tsp pepper
2 bay leaves
½ Tbsp lemon juice

STEPS

1. Slice the roots off of the leeks and then chop off the top dark green stalks; discard. Slice the remaining white/light green stalks in half lengthwise, then in half again;
2. Add sliced leeks to a bowl of cold water and stir them around to separate them from each other and any remaining dirt. Scoop them out and set aside to dry;
3. Melt the butter in the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large soup pot;
4. Add leaks, carrots, and celery and cook. Stir often until vegetables are softened (about 10 minutes);
5. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds;
6. Add the potatoes, broth, chicken bouillon and all remaining seasonings and cover the pot, leaving just a crack open, and bring to boil;
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer an additional 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are soft. Discard bay;
8. Remove desired amount of soup to a blender (don’t fill the blender more than ⅓ way full or it can overflow);
9. Blend until smooth. (Be caution to let the smoke escape the blender to prevent it from exploding);
10. Pour pureed soup back into pot and stir in lemon juice;
11. Add salt and pepper to taste.

TIPS

1. Substitute chicken bouillon powder with extra chicken broth, vice versa. Chicken broth can also be substitute with vegetable stock or beef broth.
2. Preserving chopped/minced leeks in a plastic bag flat in a freezer, and it can be easily pinched off at the edge whenever you need in the future.

WELLNESS TIPS

1. Leek contains nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, folate, vitamin A, copper, iron, and vitamin B6.
2. It also contain a significant amount of fiber that helps with digestion, control blood glucose and cholesterol level.
3. With all the benefits, eating leeks can be beneficial in controlling blood glucose and blood pressure.

Recipe adapted from: https://carlsbadcravings.com/potato-leek-soup/