Pailin Leek and Potato Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, comforting soup made with leeks, potatoes, and a touch of thyme, perfect for a cold day. This irish-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs butter, leeks, medium potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced leeks (white and light green parts only) and cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 diced potatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  3. Step 3: Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and heat gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pailin Leek and Potato Soup take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Pailin Leek and Potato Soup?

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 butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pailin Leek and Potato Soup?

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 Pailin Leek and Potato Soup 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 Pailin Leek and Potato Soup?

Irish 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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