Save A hearty and flavorful soup combining creamy potatoes, tender leeks, and spicy chorizo for a comforting meal perfect for cool days.
This soup became an instant favorite after I served it on a rainy autumn evening. The combination of smoky chorizo, tender leeks, and potatoes transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort.
Ingredients
- Leeks: 2 large leeks (white and light green parts only), sliced
- Potatoes: 500 g (about 1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Chorizo sausage: 150 g (5 oz), sliced or diced
- Chicken or vegetable stock: 1 L (4 cups)
- Heavy cream (optional): 100 ml (1/2 cup)
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley (optional): chopped, for garnish
- Crusty bread: for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the chorizo:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and the oil is tinted red. Remove about half of the chorizo with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish.
- Soften vegetables:
- Add the onion, garlic, and leeks to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until softened but not browned.
- Add potatoes and paprika:
- Stir in the potatoes and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Simmer soup:
- Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
- Blend for texture:
- Use a stick blender to partially blend the soup in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. (Alternatively, blend half the soup in a blender and return to the pot.)
- Add cream and seasoning:
- Stir in the cream (if using), return the reserved chorizo to the pot, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with crusty bread if desired.
Save When I make this soup for my family, it never lasts long. The simple act of sharing these warm, hearty bowls always fills our kitchen with laughter and the aroma of comfort food.
Recipe Variations
Smoked tofu can be substituted for chorizo for a vegetarian version. Just use vegetable stock and omit the chorizo entirely for a meatless meal that still delivers plenty of flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy if using cream. Chorizo may contain gluten or other allergens; always check labels on stock and sausage ingredients to ensure they meet dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and plenty of crusty bread on the side for dipping. This soup also makes excellent leftovers and can be frozen for future meals.
Save This soup is a bowl of warmth and comfort to be enjoyed anytime the weather turns cool. Try it for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.