CREAMY LEEK AND POTATO SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Put the chicken stock, potatoes, leeks, celery, bay leaf and thyme in a large pot and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Boil until the potatoes are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender (or in batches in a blender or food processor), blend the soup until smooth. Pour the soup into a medium pot; add the cream and simmer until the soup has thickened, about 20 minutes.

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven, saute leeks in 1/4 cup butter until tender. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, 1/2 teaspoon salt and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, 20-25 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt remaining 1/4 cup butter. Stir in flour, pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth; gradually add milk and bouillon. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir into vegetables. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If desired, top with chopped chives.