German Leek and Potato Soup (Lauchcremesuppe)

This creamy leek and potato soup recipe is a simple favorite that I grew up with in Germany. It's ready in about half an hour and I love the mild onion flavor from the leeks in this soup, paired with the creaminess of the potatoes and heavy cream.

A bit of ground nutmeg and cayenne sets this leek and potato soup apart and gives it a unique flavor profile. I like to garnish my soup with parsley oil made from fresh parsley and avocado oil. It instantly elevates this simple soup and is sure to impress. But it will taste great without it, too.

In Germany, the country of soup lovers, leek and potato soup is often served as a first course or as a main course with freshly baked slices of bread. Give me a rainy day, I love a bowl of soup. A freshly baked loaf of German sourdough rye bread with grass-fed butter smeared on makes for an irresistible pairing.

On a leek note, I am obsessed with anything onion and onion flavor. See my Zwiebelkuchen (German onion pie), Elsässer Flammkuchen (onion and bacon flatbread), and Zwiebelhackbraten (German onion meatloaf) as proof.

Leek soup ingredients

This simple German leek soup comes together in about half an hour and is so easy, filling, and satisfying.

• Leeks. I used 3 thick leeks. The amount you end up with really depends on how thick your stalks are and how much you'll be able to use them. If using thinner leeks, you'll need more.
• Potatoes. I used yellow potatoes (such as Yukon gold). Other potatoes will work, too. The starch in the potatoes will help bind the soup.
• Bouillon. I love using boullion in cooking and food to add extra, concentrated flavor. You could use vegetable broth (or also chicken broth instead).

• Cream. I use heavy whipping cream in my leek soup and add it towards the end.
• Butter. I use grass-fed butter and cook my leeks in it before making the soup.
• Nutmeg. I love using freshly ground nutmeg in my recipes. This nutmeg mill looks so great on the counter and makes a perfect gift, too.
• Cayenne. Just a pinch of cayenne helps add depth and a subtle, smoky spice note to this leek and potato soup.
• Parsley. I add just a touch of parsley to my leek soup as a garnish on top. This time, I actually made parsley oil by pureeing it with avocado oil, then drizzled that over the top.

How to make it

This German leek and potato soup is super easy to make. Start by removing the roots, then cut the leeks in half lengthwise. Open up the layers with your fingers and wash them out. Now cut the leeks into half rings. You will use all of the white parts and any light green parts. You can reserve the dark green parts for making veggie stock in the future. I simply collect veggie trimmings in my freezer and whenever it's full, I make a veggie stock. I learned this trick from a friend and have loved it since.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. This way they will cook faster.

Over medium heat, add butter and leeks to a large stock pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 2 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of bouillon paste (or 2 quarts of veggie or chicken stock).

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Add cream, nutmeg, and cayenne and puree. This one is my favorite, rechargeable handheld blender. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

You can optionally garnish this leek and potato soup with some homemade parsley oil and cream. The parsley oil adds such a pretty accent color and a delicious, herbal finishing note.

To make the parsley oil, puree a large handful of parsley leaves and ¼ cup (about 60 ml) of avocado oil, then drizzle over the top.

How to clean leeks

I didn't know how to clean leeks for a long time, but it's important to get all the dirt out that can collect between layers. Here is the simplest way to clean leeks. Trim off the roots, then cut the leek in half lengthwise. Open up the layers with your fingers while letting water run through them. It's so easy!

Looking for more German soup recipes? Also try my white asparagus soup, German lentil soup and Flädlesuppe (German pancake soup) and chicken noodle soup.