Simple Jamie Oliver Potato and Leek Soup with Bacon Recipe

Creamy potato leek soup emerges as a divine comfort food that turns simple ingredients into liquid gold.

Winter’s chill dissolves with each spoonful of this luxurious blend.

Earthy leeks and tender potatoes dance together, creating a harmony of rustic flavors that sing of warmth and home.

Crisp bacon crumbles add a smoky whisper that transforms this soup from ordinary to exceptional.

Professional and amateur cooks alike adore how these humble ingredients craft culinary magic in mere minutes.

The silky texture and deep, robust taste connect you to generations of hearty cooking traditions.

Check out a bowl of pure, soul-soothing deliciousness that promises to melt away your winter blues.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips for Soup

• Store Soup Smartly: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation. Avoid freezing garnishes like croutons to maintain their crispness.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preserve Garnish Crunch: Keep croutons and bacon separately in sealed containers at room temperature. Add these crispy toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Potato Leek Soup with Bacon

• Bread Cubes: Choose day-old rustic bread for maximum crispiness.
• Butter: Select unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Paprika: Fresh, vibrant paprika will enhance the croutons' taste.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Use low-sodium broth for balanced seasoning.
• Potatoes: Select waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creamy texture.
• Leeks: Seek fresh, bright green leeks with firm white bottoms.
• Garlic: Choose plump, firm garlic cloves without sprouting.
• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for robust flavor.

• Cream: Select heavy cream for rich, luxurious consistency.
• Peas: Opt for sweet, bright green frozen or fresh peas.
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch and flavor.
• Parsley: Pick vibrant, fresh parsley with deep green color.

Tools for Jamie Oliver’s Soup Recipe

• Baking Tray: Perfect for roasting those golden, crispy croutons.
• Large Pot: Your go-to for sautéing, simmering, and building soup base.
• Blender: Essential for creating that silky-smooth soup texture.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for chopping leeks, garlic, and parsley with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients gently.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Frying Pan: Great for cooking bacon to crispy perfection.
• Ladle: Helps transfer and serve soup smoothly.

Cooking Directions for Potato Leek Soup

• Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven roaring hot at 400°F, creating the perfect environment for crispy croutons that’ll add magic to your soup.

• Craft Crunchy Croutons

Transform ordinary bread into flavor-packed golden bites by tossing cubes with a zesty butter and paprika blend. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake until they’re irresistibly crunchy and golden.

• Sizzle and Transform Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot until it turns deliciously crisp, releasing its rich, smoky essence. Set aside the bacon, keeping its flavorful fat ready to infuse your soup with deep, savory notes.

• Build Soup's Foundation

Sauté leeks and garlic in the remaining bacon fat, releasing their aromatic charm. Pour in chicken broth, water, and chunky potato pieces. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a harmonious base that promises comfort in every spoonful.

• Create Silky Smoothness

Carefully scoop out half the soup and blend until luxuriously smooth. Return the creamy mixture to the pot, instantly elevating the texture and creating a velvety backdrop for your soup.

• Final Flourish

Swirl in cream and sprinkle in sweet green peas. Let everything dance together for a few moments, then crown your creation with crispy croutons, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Your soul-warming potato leek soup is ready to embrace and delight!

Bacon Soup Tips and Flavor Upgrades

Explore exciting twists and smart cooking strategies to elevate this classic potato leek soup.

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt to add tangy richness without extra calories.

Introduce shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked white beans to transform the soup into a more substantial meal that satisfies hunger and provides extra nutrition.

Experiment with garnish combinations like crispy pancetta instead of bacon, smoked paprika for depth, or red pepper flakes to add a subtle kick that awakens taste buds.

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for smoother texture and fewer dishes, preventing potential kitchen splashes and reducing cleanup time.

Serving Ideas for Hearty Potato Soup

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, freshly baked baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up the creamy soup and add extra texture.
• Create a Lunch Combo: Combine the soup with a light green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Elevate with Wine Pairing: Complement the soup's rich flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to balance the creaminess.
• Customize with Toppings: Experiment with additional garnishes like sharp cheddar cheese, chives, or a drizzle of truffle oil to personalize each bowl.

Hearty Jamie Oliver Potato And Leek Soup With Bacon Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty jamie oliver potato and leek soup with bacon offers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy potatoes with savory leeks and crispy bacon. Rich flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 cups (950 ml/32 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces (about 340 g/12 oz)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (225 g/8 oz) frozen peas (do not thaw)
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (225 g/8 oz) cubed crusty bread
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ cup (15 g/0.5 oz) chopped fresh parsley
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Crouton Preparation: Toss bread cubes with melted butter and paprika, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
2. Bacon Rendering: Cook bacon in a large pot until perfectly crisp, setting aside 1 tablespoon of fat for subsequent cooking.
3. Vegetable Sautéing: In the same pot, soften leeks and garlic in remaining butter, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
4. Liquid and Potato Integration: Add chicken broth, water, and diced potatoes to the pot, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Potato Softening and Blending: Cook potatoes until fork-tender, then partially purée the soup to create a creamy texture by transferring half to a blender and processing until smooth.
6. Final Touches: Stir in heavy cream and peas, simmering for an additional 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serving: Ladle soup into bowls, topping with crispy croutons, bacon bits, and fresh parsley for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.

Notes

• Bacon Rendering Tip: Cook bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and achieve perfect crispiness without burning.
• Leek Preparation Hack: Thoroughly wash leeks to remove hidden dirt between layers, ensuring a clean and grit-free soup base.
• Blending Technique: When puréeing hot soup, fill blender only halfway and leave lid slightly open to prevent pressure buildup and potential splatter.
• Cream Addition Trick: Add cream at the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, luxurious texture without curdling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg