Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds leeks, whites only, rinsed and cut into rings
- 2 ounces butter
- ½ cup shallots, sliced
- ½ cup yellow onions, sliced
- 1 pound russet or Yukon gold potatoes, quartered lengthwise, then cut into ¼-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon roasted garlic paste
- Herb sachet (3 sprigs thyme, 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, 1 whole allspice, 3 sprigs tarragon, 3 sprigs parsley)
- 10-inch x 10-inch square of cheesecloth
- 10-inch piece of butcher’s twine or any kind of string that you can cook with
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
Directions
1. Make the herb sachet: Cut a 10 x 10-inch square of cheesecloth. Place the thyme, black peppercorns, allspice, tarragon, and parsley in the center. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth to close the top and tie it securely with butcher’s twine to prevent anything from escaping during cooking.
2. Place a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan with handles (to tie your sachet to later) on the stove over medium heat. Add butter, leeks, onion, and shallots. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not let it brown—just soften.
4. Add the potatoes, salt, pepper, honey, and vegetable stock to the pot. Tie the herb sachet to one of the pot’s handles and submerge it in the vegetable stock to infuse the flavors. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender but not overcooked.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and remove the pot from heat.
6. Blend the soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. While blending, add the olive oil. Season with additional salt to taste, if needed.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with crispy pancetta, roasted garlic breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of chive oil.
Pairing Suggestion: This creamy and savory recipe pairs perfectly with the bright acidity, red fruit notes, and subtle spice of the 2022 Cabernet Franc, creating a balanced and complementary flavor experience.
