Potato, Leek and Carrot Soup

Classic potato leek soup is creamy and thick, some might say grainy. This is not that! I like my soup chunky! 

Ingredients:

1 leek, cleaned and sliced

2 1/2 cups diced potatoes

1 1/2 cups diced carrots

1 small red onion, sliced

1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp celery seed

1 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

fresh parsley to serve

First things first with leeks... they can be sandy. So cut the root end off, remove the dark green leaves and cut through lengthwise. Carefully wash between each leaf so no dirt gets into your soup! Now slice and dice all the veggies.

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot, then add the leek and onion. Cook 2 minutes. Next add the carrots, potatoes and jalapeño and toss together.

Pour in the broth with tomato paste and seasonings. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Serve with fresh parsley and maybe a nice crusty bread for sopping!

Serves 4-6

Braised Leeks and Carrots

Leeks are like onion's milder cousin. And paired with sweet carrots make a wonderful fall side dish.

Ingredients:

2 leeks

6 small carrots

3 tbsps olive oil

1/4 tsp each parsley, sage rosemary and thyme (did you sing that in your head? If not you're too young to remember Simon and Garfunkel 😄) 

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

3 tbsps any broth

2 tbsps panko crumbs

1 tbsp parmesan cheese

Cut the leeks in half lengthwise, remove the tough outer leaves and dark green ends and carefully clean. Scrub the carrots, no need to peel them. Lay the vegetables in a 13 X 9" baking dish and drizzle 2 tbsps of olive oil over them. Sprinkle all the seasonings on top and pour the broth into the dish.

Cover with foil and bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes.

Combine 1 tbsp olive oil with the panko and parmesan and crumble over the top of the leeks and carrots. Return to the oven uncovered for 5-8 minutes.

Serves 4

Adapted from: garlicandzest.com