Potato-Leek Soup With Bacon

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 40 min
  • Active: 30 min
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 1/2 cups cubed crusty bread

4 slices bacon, chopped

2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, chopped

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups frozen peas (do not thaw)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Make the croutons: Melt 1 tablespoon butter, then mix with the paprika in a bowl. Add the bread cubes and toss. Spread on a baking sheet and bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard all but about 1 tablespoon fat from the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then add the leeks and garlic; cover and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, 2 cups water, the potatoes and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper; cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
  3. Puree half the soup in a blender (remove the filler cap to let steam escape), then return to the pot. Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Add the peas and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with the croutons, bacon and parsley.

Cook’s Note

When blending hot liquids, first let cool for 5 minutes or so, then transfer to a blender, filling only halfway. Put the lid on, leaving one corner open; Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters and pulse until smooth.

Let's Get Cooking!

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Theresa Elizabeth

I found the soup too watery for my liking and not enough potatoes. To remedy this, I continued to simmer and I added 2 more potatoes. The result was a nice thick soup with ample potatoes. I did omit the peas and I topped with some cheese.

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