Recipes by sochowski.alexandra

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup

Well, it’s official, the snow is sticking to the ground. Pumpkin spice has morphed into peppermint and egg nog, and the nights are now long and dark. Winter is here for the long haul which means it’s time for soup season!

There’s something so comforting about a hot bowl of soup or stew on a cold winter day. One of my favourites is potato leek; it’s creamy, hearty and goes absolutely perfect with a warm slice of homemade bread (that’s a post for another day). One of the things that made me hesitant to make this soup in the past was how long it took to cook, but thanks to my trusty old Instant Pot I can whip this up while the boys are napping.

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup

Servings: 5

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts 1/8-inch slices
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 4 cups unsalted vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Instructions:

  1. Select Sauté on the Instant Pot. Allow pot to heat until the display reads “hot” 
  2. Add olive oil and butter to the pot, once hot add the leeks. Sauté until softened, stirring frequently and not allowing to brown, 8 minutes
  3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds
  4. Add potatoes, vegetable broth, salt, bay leaf and thyme; stir to combine
  5. Make sure that the release valve is in the “Sealing” position, place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn to lock 
  6. Press “Manual” button on the Instant Pot and set the timer for 7 minutes 
  7. It will take about 10 minutes for the pot to heat up and build up the pressure. You will see some steam release from the lid, and then the time will start on the display and count down
  8. Once the cook time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 15 minutes
  9. Carefully remove the lid, opening the top away from you as steam will be released from the pot
  10. Remove and discard bay leaf and thyme sprigs
  11. Use a hand immersion blender to puree the soup until just smooth, or transfer to a blender and puree. Careful not to splash as the soup will be hot
  12. Add in milk and black pepper, stir to combine 
  13.  Garnish with chives and additional black pepper

Hope you enjoy! What’s your favourite type of soup? I’m always on the lookout for a new one to try. 

Happy eating, Alex!