Carrot and Leek Soup with Equal Portions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting pureed soup with equal weights of carrots and leeks, simmered in chicken broth with thyme for a subtle herbal note. This french-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs carrots, leeks, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 French cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 10 ounces diced carrots and 10 ounces sliced leeks (white and light green parts only), stirring to coat with oil.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and add 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are very tender.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Carrot and Leek Soup with Equal Portions take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Carrot and Leek Soup with Equal Portions?

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 carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Carrot and Leek Soup with Equal Portions?

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 Carrot and Leek Soup with Equal Portions 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.

What goes well with Carrot and Leek Soup with Equal Portions?

French soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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