Belgian Leek Soup Recipes

BELGIAN FARMHOUSE POTATO LEEK SOUP WITH ABBEY ALE

Steps:

• Peel and cut potatoes in eighths (cut in half, then each half in half and then again). Place in a large pot, cover with cold water and add 1 tbsp salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to medium low and let boil until fork tender and then remove from heat and drain the water.
• Meanwhile clean and slice leeks (remove about 1 inch from the bottom and the dark green parts, cut in half lengthwise and wash away any trapped soil particles, then slice in half moons).
• In a large pan over medium heat melt the butter. Add the cut leeks, season with the 2 tsp salt and the pepper and add three whole sprigs of fresh thyme. Cook until the leeks are translucent and just begin to caramelize, stirring often.
• Slowly add the abbey ale and stir, let simmer and reduce for 8-10 min. Remove from heat.
• Add the cooked leeks with abbey ale sauce to the potatoes. Discard the thyme at this point. Add the chicken (or vegetable) stock and using a handheld (immersion) blender puree until you reach a smooth consistency. If using a traditional blender, work in batches.
• Place the pot with the pureed potatoes and leeks on the stove over medium high heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cream, stir well, cover with lid and turn off the heat.
• To make the croutons slice bread in cubes and heat olive oil in a pan over medium high. Add the bread cubes, season with salt, pepper and garlic powder and stir well to coat. Once they begin to brown they are done. Transfer to a serving dish to be used as garnish.
• Serve soup with a few croutons and a little bit of fresh thyme on top.

CHERVIL LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• In your soup pot, saute onions and leeks over medium heat until soft. (Tip: salt the onions and leeks at this stage so they release their moisture faster.).
• Add water.
• Add chervil, bullion cubes, and bouquet garni and let simmer for 15 minutes over medium heat.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Remove bouquet garni and blend soup.
• Add meatballs if desired.

CREAM OF BELGIAN ENDIVE SOUP

Steps:

• Cut leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse well under cold running water to remove any grit. Thinly slice crosswise; set aside.
• Cut endives in half lengthwise, and cut out and discard the cores. Thinly slice crosswise; set aside.
• Peel potatoes, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside in a bowl of cold water.
• Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks; cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes. Drain potatoes well; add to pot along with sliced endive. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes; do not let brown.
• Add wine and stock, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until vegetables are very tender, about 1 hour. Cool slightly.
• Transfer soup in batches to a blender (fill no more than halfway), or pass it through a food mill. Return to a clean saucepan; stir in cream. Bring to a simmer; remove from heat. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Garnish with endive.

LEEK SOUP

Steps:

• Cut leeks into thin slices. In a skillet, saute leeks and onion in butter until tender but not browned. Transfer to a soup kettle or Dutch oven. Add potatoes, broth and parsley; cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Strain; set broth aside. Puree vegetables in a blender or food processor. Return puree and broth to pan. Stir a small amount of pureed mixture into egg yolk; return to pan. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160°, stirring occasionally. Add the cream; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon.

LEEK AND BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Sauté the garlic and leeks for 4-5 minutes until starting to soften but not colour.
• Add the potato and vegetable stock, stir and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Purée to a smooth consistency using an electric hand blender or food processor. Stir in the beans and half of the parsley and allow to heat through.
• Serve the soup in deep bowls with a pinch of parsley on top.