Potato, Leek, and Spinach Soup

Leeks, potatoes, bacon, and spinach are the base for this hearty soup. Serve with crusty bread.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 232 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock
• 2 large cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 large leeks, thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only)
• 10 ounces bacon, cut into small pieces
• 1 pound yellow potatoes, cut into bite-size cubes
• 4 cups loosely packed fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth, or to taste
• 0.75 cup half-and-half, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Put leeks in a bowl with enough water to cover completely. Set aside to soak.

Step 2

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Fry bacon in the hot pot until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Remove all but 2 tablespoons bacon drippings from the pot.

Step 3

Drain leeks and shake vigorously to dry. Fry leeks and garlic in reserved bacon drippings until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir potatoes into leeks; add bay leaves. Pour chicken stock over potatoes; bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Scoop about 1/2 of the potatoes, leeks, and garlic into a food processor bowl with enough liquid to cover; process until puréed. Stir purée, bacon, spinach, and half-and-half into the pot; continue heating soup until again hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Add chicken broth from the can or half-and-half to achieve desired consistency.