Caramelized Onion and Leek Soup with Crispy Garlic
A deeply savory soup where onions and leeks caramelize slowly, balanced by a touch of garlic crunch for texture. This french-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs medium onion, large leek, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onion
- 2 large leek
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice onions and leeks (white parts only), then melt 2 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and leeks, stirring occasionally, and cook for 25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 4 cups chicken stock, then add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and cook for 5 more minutes until slightly thickened.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Onion and Leek Soup with Crispy Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Onion and Leek Soup with Crispy Garlic?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Onion and Leek Soup with Crispy Garlic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Onion and Leek Soup with Crispy Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Caramelized Onion and Leek Soup with Crispy Garlic vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 45-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
