Imagine a soup so luxuriously creamy and packed with flavor that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This British-inspired Leek and Stilton Cheese Soup is not just a recipe—it's a warm hug in a bowl that will transport your taste buds to a cozy countryside kitchen. With its perfect balance of earthy leeks, velvety potatoes, and the bold, tangy punch of Stilton cheese, this soup is about to become your new comfort food obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup Stilton cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the leeks by slicing them lengthwise and rinsing under cold water to remove any dirt trapped between the layers. Slice the leeks into thin half-rings.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced leeks to the pot and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the leeks become tender and start to soften, about 5-6 minutes.
- Dice the potato into small, uniform cubes and add to the pot with the leeks and onions. Stir to combine and allow potatoes to slightly toast with the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender and purée until silky.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the crumbled Stilton cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional crumbled Stilton cheese or fresh chopped chives before serving.
Tips
- Cleaning Leeks Like a Pro: Take extra time to thoroughly clean your leeks. The layers can trap dirt, so slice them lengthwise and rinse carefully under cold water to ensure a grit-free soup.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use a high-quality Stilton cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor. If Stilton is too strong, you can substitute with a milder blue cheese.
- Blending Technique: For the smoothest texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If using a standard blender, work in small batches and be careful with hot liquids.
- Seasoning Secrets: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go. The Stilton cheese is already quite salty, so you might need less seasoning than you expect.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. It's perfect for meal prep or making in advance for dinner parties.
- Garnish Game: Elevate your soup with extra toppings like crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for added complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 35mg
