Potato, Cauliflower, and Leek Soup
I’ve shared this before, but I felt inclined to mention the reason that I may share a lot of “soup and stew” recipes is because it’s one of my favorite meals (especially in the winter) to take to work with me for lunch during the week. So, on most Sunday’s I make a big pot of soup and the soup this week happened to be the delicious Potato, Cauliflower, and Leek Soup. It’s a fairly simple soup to make and it is also quite filling.
Now, the layers in leeks tend to be pretty gritty or dirty, so be sure to wash your leeks after slicing them. As for the cauliflower, I prefer to cook (or rather over cook) mine until they are really tender. But, if you want your cauliflower to be more firm, then you may want to wait and add it in when you add in the vegetable broth. Also, I didn’t add many spices or herbs to this recipe, just a lot of fresh ground black pepper to the top, which I happen to like. However, adding in some fresh or dried herbs and/or maybe some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top are always a nice added touch. And I typically like to serve it with oyster crackers or freshly baked bread.
To watch a short clip of how all this comes together, click [HERE].
Here’s a few ways to freestyle this recipe:
- use a medium yellow onion instead of leeks
- use broccoli or romanesco instead of cauliflower
- use Yukon gold or Idaho potatoes instead of the fingerling potatoes
- A few substitutions for half and half milk would be the following : 1/2 cup of lactose free half and half milk (if available where you live- Land O Lakes and Organic Valley manufacture it), 1/4 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream, or 1/2 cup of evaporated milk
Here are some other additions and ideas to consider:
- garnish with fresh herbs such as chives, dill, or parsley
- garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese or stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- add a teaspoon of dried herbs
- stir in a dollop of basil pesto
- add white beans or chickpeas
- add zucchini
- add frozen peas
- add corn
- serve with a spoonful of your favorite cooked grain or even pasta
- top with homemade croutons
Are there ways to veganize this recipe???
Yes! To make vegan, use vegan butter and then either 1/2 cup dairy free half and half (Califia Farms manufactures one called Unsweetened Better Half) or unsweetened lite coconut milk (the amount will be based on your taste). The last suggestion is making a cashew cream with hot water and raw cashews, blended until silky smooth. If you haven’t done that before, then I would recommend researching that or use the recipe that I provide in my cookbook on page 106.
Looking for other great soup ideas? Give these delicious recipes a try!
- Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
- Vegetarian Zuppa Toscana
- Broccoli Cheddar and Potato Soup
- Smoky Sweet Potato and Tahini Stew
Join me on my social channels and please don’t forget to take pictures and tag me #supperwithmichelle and @supperwithmichelle, if you make any of my recipes! I absolutely love to see all of your creations. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, YouTube, or Pinterest! As always, I love when you share your reviews in the comments below, and if you have any fun substitutions or additions, let me know how it worked out below too!
Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope that you enjoy my Potato, Cauliflower, and Leek Soup. The full printable recipe is below. Enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Potato, Cauliflower, and Leek Soup
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 medium leeks, ends trimmed, hard green parts discarded or composted, thinly sliced, cleaned well
- 3 cups fingerling potatoes, cut in half, or whatever type you like
- 3 cups cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup half and half
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add in the leeks, potatoes, and cauliflower. Sauté until the leeks have broken down a bit and softened, 10 to 15 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle the flour in, coating all the veggies thoroughly and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, until the flour turns slightly golden in color. (If the bottom of your pan is dry, then you may want to add one more tablespoon of butter because you don’t want the veggies to stick to the bottom of your pot.)
- Slowly stir in the vegetable broth. (It will thicken, only slightly.) Add salt and pepper to taste and simmer until the potatoes are soft to the fork, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Stir in the half and half and simmer until warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve in your favorite bowls and enjoy!
I’ve made this many times. One of my favorite soups. I usually add a handful of cheddar cheese to the pot. Mmmmm
Aww…That makes me so happy Yolande! I love adding cheese to it as well. 🙂 Thank you so much! Hope you have a great day!
What could I substitute for the leeks?
Leeks have a very mild taste. Maybe green onions or shallots. Onions can work as well…but they should definitely be sauteed until translucent.
I made this recipe. It is really delicious. (I added dill.) Thanks!
Wonderful!!! Oh love the addition of Dill! Sounds fabulous!
Thank you. I appreciate your helpful response. Also, for the many of us who are lactose-intolerant, what could we substitute for the 1/2 cup half and half milk and would the proportion be the same or different [still 1/2 cup]? Also would the thickness consistency be the same or too thin/watery if we used a nondairy substitute? [Rice milk or soy milk usually usually are not creamy enough and almond milk is too sweet and coconut milk changes the flavoring to coconut, etc. It is discouraging and challenging. 🙁
I understand. I have not used these with this soup, but a few substitutions for half and half milk would be the following : 1/2 cup of lactose free half and half milk (if available where you live- Land O Lakes and Organic Valley manufacture it), 1/4 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/2 tablespoon of butter, 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 1/2 cup dairy free half and half(Califia Farms manufactures one called Unsweetened Better Half), un-sweetened coconut milk- the amount will be based on your taste and I would recommend the lite version, which is not as “coconut-y” in my opinion, the last suggestion is making a cashew cream with hot water and raw cashews, blended until silky smooth. If you haven’t done that before, then I would recommend researching that. As it relates to the thickness of this soup, this broth is not real thick, but the flour helps to make it slightly thicker. Which could also be achieved with a corn starch or arrowroot slurry. Hope that helps!
So excited to make this soup! But I was hoping you might have some ideas for alternatives to the half and half?
thank you!
Wonderful! I have not used these with this soup, but a few substitutions for half and half milk would be the following : 1/2 cup of lactose free half and half milk (if available where you live- Land O Lakes and Organic Valley manufacture it), 1/4 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/2 tablespoon of butter, 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 1/2 cup dairy free half and half(Califia Farms manufactures one called Unsweetened Better Half), un-sweetened coconut milk- the amount will be based on your taste and I would recommend the lite version, which is not as “coconut-y” in my opinion, the last suggestion is making a cashew cream with hot water and raw cashews, blended until silky smooth. If you haven’t done that before, then I would recommend researching that. Hope this helps!
This is the one! OMG! I love it. Thanks so much for the delicious recipe.
Wonderful! Glad you love it! 🙂
Made this last night for dinner. You have the best soup recipes. Thanks.
Hi Danita! Awww….that makes me so happy! Glad you enjoy them. 🙂 <3
Delicious, Michelle! Only had one leek so I added a shallot. My 3-year old loves it too. Thank you!
Hi Tamiko! Sounds like the perfect substitution. 🙂 So glad you both love it!!
I just made this soup today! Super hearty and easy ❤ I added an extra leek because I love them, and ate it with some nice crusty bread 😋 im going to use the leftovers for lunches for work, I can’t wait!
That makes me soo happy Katrina!! Thank you for giving the recipe a try!!
This is THE soup. So easy and so yummy. Have made it half a dozen times and always a huge hit! I use half and half and add a splash of heavy whipping cream to make it a bit more rich (I know not the healthiest but delicious!). Definitely a staple in our house.
Hi Megan! Your version sounds delicious!!Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try!
Great looking soup and I like potatoes and cauliflower. I will try your recipe very soon. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful Charles! Thanks so much for visiting and hope you enjoy it!
I’m in the midst of cooking the soup for lunch today. My Oldman Warren has forwarded me the recipe last week. Looks good!
Wonderful!! Thanks so much!! 🙂
Amazingly easy and SO delicious. My husband who does not like cauliflower ate every bite! Thank you for another fab soup recipe, Michelle!
Hi Eliza! Oh I looooove when that happens! Thank you soooo much for your support and for giving the recipe a try! 🙂
One of my go tos now! Easy to put together and the veggie combo is sooo delicious! Michelle is a soup genius I think.
Aww! Well thank you so much Jenna!! I appreciate your kind words!! 🙂
How does this recipe freeze?
Hi Melinda! I haven’t personally tried freezing this soup. It has half and half milk in it, so if you plan to freeze a batch of it, do so without the half and half and then add a bit in when you reheat it.
Do you have a recommendation for someone who is dairy free and allergic to nuts?
I was think coconut cream might work but I wanted to get your opinion…
Thanks
Hi Kyla. Oh I totally understand and I’ve used unsweetened coconut milk (from the can, not that bottled stuff or from the carton) as a substitute and it’s also great in my opinion.
I ended up using a 1/2 cup coconut cream instead (unsweetened, no additives) and it worked great!
Hi Kyla! Oh wonderful! So happy to hear that! Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
Easy delicious soup, instead of half and half I used sour cream at the end and added a 1 1/2 cups of peas, just for a bit of colour and cooked in the slow cooker
Hi Brian! Oh wonderful! Love your addition of peas and sour cream! Thanks for giving the recipe a try! 🙂
Excellent soup!
Hi Patricia! Oh wonderful! So happy you enjoyed it!
I made this soup for the first time last night and WOW! I will definitely make this again and will be sharing your delicious recipe with others. Thank you! 😊🍲
Hi Monique! Awww! Thank you! So happy you enjoyed it! I’ve got 26 soup recipes in my upcoming cookbook! So if you enjoy soup and haven’t already pre-ordered my cookbook I highly recommend doing so! 🙂 Thanks again! Hugs!
Very good soup! I added some fresh dill and white cheddar but think the addition of some crumbled cooked bacon would send this over the top! Going to try it next time.
Hi Lucy! Love your additions and so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for giving the recipe a try!