This Creamy Potato Leek Soup with Kale and Bacon is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day in the fall or winter. It’s hearty, nutritious, and flavorful – not to mention easy to make! You can have it on the table in under an hour, and the process is mostly hands-off, making it great for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender potatoes, savory leeks, and nutrient-rich kale creates a comforting and satisfying soup that’s sure to please the whole family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large leek, cleaned and chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lbs. gold or red potatoes (about 4 large), chopped
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup milk (preferably whole)
• 4-6 cups fresh kale, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: chives, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese

Directions

1. In a large stockpot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion, leeks, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the chopped potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Stir in the milk and chopped kale. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the kale is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with the crispy bacon and your choice of toppings such as chives, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese.

Nutritional Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg

The Origins of Potato Leek Soup

Potato leek soup, or “potage parmentier” as it’s sometimes known in French cuisine, has long been a classic dish in European cooking. The humble combination of potatoes and leeks, which are both inexpensive and widely available, made the soup a go-to meal for the working class in France and other European countries. It was often prepared in large pots to feed entire families or communities.

In its original form, potato leek soup was a basic, simple dish, consisting of just potatoes, leeks, and water or broth. Over time, however, this straightforward recipe has evolved and been adapted to include a variety of ingredients, from cream and butter to herbs and spices, and sometimes even additional vegetables or proteins. The version that includes kale and bacon adds a layer of complexity and richness to the soup, making it a more substantial meal that can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or a main course.

Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients

This soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits, especially when you consider the nutritional powerhouses that make up its ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main components:

• Potatoes: Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy. They are also rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, all of which contribute to heart health, immune function, and digestive health. While potatoes are often seen as an indulgent food, they can be part of a healthy diet when prepared in nutritious ways, such as in soups.

• Leeks: A member of the onion family, leeks have a milder flavor than their relatives and are a fantastic addition to soups and stews. They contain high levels of vitamins A and K, which support eye health, immune function, and bone health. Leeks also provide a good amount of folate, which is essential for cell growth and regeneration.

• Kale: Often touted as one of the healthiest vegetables, kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is rich in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as antioxidants and fiber. Kale supports heart health, helps reduce inflammation, and provides a boost to the immune system. Including kale in your diet can help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and promote overall well-being.

• Bacon: While bacon is often considered a less healthy ingredient due to its high fat content, it adds a wonderful smoky richness to the soup that elevates its flavor. In moderation, bacon can be part of a balanced diet, and the small amount used in this soup helps create a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

The combination of these ingredients results in a soup that not only tastes amazing but also offers a range of health benefits. From the fiber and antioxidants in the kale to the vitamins and minerals in the potatoes and leeks, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why Potato Leek Kale Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about potato leek kale soup is its versatility. It can be served as a comforting lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for meal prep. The soup is also perfect for serving at gatherings, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal dinner party. Its simple, yet sophisticated flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, and it can be easily customized with additional herbs, spices, or toppings to suit your taste.

This soup is also highly adaptable when it comes to dietary preferences. You can make it gluten-free by ensuring that the stock you use is free of gluten, and it can easily be made dairy-free by substituting the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. For those who want to reduce the fat content, you can skip the bacon or substitute it with turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative.

The Ease of Preparing Potato Leek Kale Soup

Despite its rich flavors, this potato leek kale soup is surprisingly easy to make. Most of the time is spent allowing the potatoes to cook until tender, which gives you plenty of opportunity to prepare the rest of the ingredients and enjoy the aromas wafting from your kitchen. The use of a single pot or Dutch oven makes cleanup a breeze, and the process of simmering the soup brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables, creating a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.

The addition of bacon adds a layer of complexity and texture, and it’s a wonderful way to balance the earthiness of the kale and the mildness of the potatoes and leeks. You can choose to make the bacon crispy for an added crunch, or you can keep it soft for a more subtle smoky flavor. Either way, the bacon complements the other ingredients perfectly, providing a savory contrast to the creaminess of the soup.

Making the Soup Your Own

While the classic version of potato leek kale soup is delicious as-is, there’s plenty of room to get creative with this recipe. For example, you could experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds, for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. You could also swap out the kale for other leafy greens, such as spinach or Swiss chard, if you prefer.

Conclusion: A Soup That Warms the Soul

Potato leek kale soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience—a warming, comforting dish that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s day or serving it as part of a festive meal, this soup offers everything you want in a hearty dish: depth of flavor, nourishing ingredients, and an easy-to-make recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.