Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Potato-Leek Soup With Bacon


    This is a perfect Spring time soup. Light, elegant and totally satisfying.
    I 'm such a huge fan of soups..even in the summer. I adore the comfort
    of a warm bowl of yumminess.  The crunchy warm croutons gave the
    soup a nice crunch and we all know everything tastes better with bacon.

                        Potato-Leek Soup With Bacon

    2 tablespoons of butter
    1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
    1 1/2 cups cubed crusty bread
    6 slices of bacon, chopped
    2 large leeks, white and green parts only, thinly sliced
    2 garlic cloves, chopped
    4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
    kosher salt and pepper
    1/2 cup heavy cream
    1 1/2 cups frozen peas ( do not thaw)
    1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

    1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 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 &
    bake until golden, 8 to 10 min.
    2) Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large saucepan over medium high 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 pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, then
    add the leeks and garlic, cover an cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and
    2 cups of water, the potatoes, salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil over med high
    heat. Reduce the heat to a medium and simmer, partially covered until potatoes are
    tender.
    3) Puree half of 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 peas and cook until tender
    about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped w/ croutons, bacon and
    parsley.

31 comments:

  1. Ummm... hellooooo. Bacon? Of course I had to come and see this recipe.

    And now that I look at the picture, obviously I have to make it.

    Wow.

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  2. Shut your face. This looks delicious. I'm a new follower!

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  3. sounds delightful!! anything with bacon and leeks wins my heart :)

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  4. this is right up my alley. YUM. Does it turn out as good if I were to substitute 2% instead of the cream? My family would love this one!! :)

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  5. It would not be as creamy, maybe use half and half...everything in moderation. ; )))

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  6. Yum! You speak Michelle...LOL! My family loves soup! Looks like a bookmark coming on :)
    Have a good one! xox

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  7. ahmy gosh. this looks AHMAZING! looks so tasty. xoxo jcd :: cornflake dreams

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  8. I love leeks. And they go perfectly with bacon and potatoes. This soup looks amazing.

    http://www.yummymummykitchen.com

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  9. You had me at bacon :)
    I'm not much of a red meat person but bacon, forget about it :)

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  10. YUM! I love the look of this and have never used leeks! Well, on purpose, once I think I accidentally used them instead of chives - oops!

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  11. Just the photo makes me want to eat this right now! Gorgeous.

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  12. Hi Val! I make a potato leek soup that is absolutely one of our all-time family favorites but I have never added the crusty bread to it...YUM! I have another fabulous recipe for a seafood chowder you would love that my hubby makes that is very similar to this. It is so dreary here that this would be perfect tonight!
    Vanessa

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  13. VAL!! I am smiling because I just got your comment on my blog and realized that you are the same 'ValSoCal' that I have had on my google reader for a couple months now! Shame on me for not saying hi sooner! I have been drooling over all your amazingly yummy recipes for quite some time now :) It's so nice to "meet" you!!!! ~Bri~

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  14. Um, ok, here's a stupid question....what's a leek? I've heard of it but have no idea. The soup looks really good!

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  15. Love everything that's in that soup! Looks fantastic!

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  16. WOW. Yum. You can't look at this without wanting to take a big bite!

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  17. Yum! My 6yo loves Potato Leek Soup, but I've never added bacon to it. It looks wonderful. You're right - everything's better with bacon. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. Oh me oh my that looks soooo delish. I will definitely try it.

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  19. That sounds and looks amazing!!! YUM!!!

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  20. You had me at bacon.. and just looking at the picture I'm dying for a bite! Looks so great Val!

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  21. this literally made me say "omg" out loud, YUM!!!

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  22. I'm a soup girl too! Sounds good right about now!
    Hugs!!

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  23. um--wow! looks fantastic, and i love that you added croutons--i like a little crunch in my soup too:)

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  24. Don't mind if I do!!! That soup looks fantastic!

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  25. What a beautifully decorated soup! Looks soo delicious!

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  26. I tried this today, awesome! my guy loved it <3

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