Smoked Gouda Potato Leek Soup

A smoky twist on a classic potato leek soup.

Here’s another winter warmer soup that builds off a traditional potato leek soup. Loaded with hearty amounts of potato, leeks, carrots, onions and flavorful spices, this recipe also adds a generous amount of smoked gouda to create a creamy, rich soup perfect for filling the stomach and soothing the soul.

Time You Need

  • ~35 minutes prep
  • ~1 hour 10 minutes cooking
  • Yields: ~6 servings

What You Need

  • 4 leeks, stems removed and properly cleaned
  • 1 white or yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic
  • 5-6 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1 inch pieces
  • 4 cups of chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup of skim milk
  • ~1 cup of water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp clove powder
  • 1 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups of fresh shredded smoked gouda
  • Fresh chives or green onion* for topping

What You Do

  • Start by rinsing prepared potatoes in a bath of water.
  • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and then begin cooking the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and leeks.
  • Cook for about 20 minutes, until the onions just begin to carmelize.
  • Then rinse the potatoes, pat dry, and add to the pot, along with the chicken stock, parsley, clove, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir ingredients to combine.
  • Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
  • Then remove from heat, and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until a semi-fine mixture, leaving some larger potato chunks if desired for a chunkier soup.
  • Then turn the heat back to s a simmer. Add 1 cup of water, and the heavy cream and milk. Stir to combine.
  • Then finish the soup by slowly incorporating handfuls of shredded smoked gouda, adding 1 handful at a time, and whisking until melted. Repeat for the rest of the gouda.
  • Let the soup simmer for about 10 more minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Serve with fresh chives or green onions and a slice of warm bread. Enjoy!